By Holly Fesperman Lee

Salisbury Post

School board members will consider hiring a full-time construction manager to oversee future school construction projects, according to Monday’s meeting agenda.

Agenda information estimates that over $20 million in renovations and over $90 million in additions and new school construction will be needed in Rowan-Salisbury over the next five to 10 years.

If hired, the construction manager would review architectural and engineering plans for accuracy and compliance with the system’s facilities needs. The position would also serve as the quality control, monitor and inspector for accuracy as contracts and projects are awarded.

The agenda information goes on to say that the work involves traveling to construction sites, reviewing and approving progress payments for construction projects and monitoring all parties involved in facilities functions.

The full-time position comes with a monthly salary range of $3,068 to $5,234.

Also on the agenda for Monday’s meeting:

* School board members will discuss converting all non-certified employees to a bi-weekly pay schedule for the 2007-2008 school year.

The changes are proposed in order to most accurately provide compensation to staff protected under the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act. The payroll change will provide protection for the school board against potential liability and has advantages for employees over the current monthly pay method.

According to agenda information, the Rowan-Salisbury School system has received approval from the Department of Public Instruction to issue a bi-weekly payroll for all non-certified employees. If approved, the payroll is expected to convert to the new schedule in July of 2007.

Due to the Department of Public Instruction licensure requirements, certified employees will continue to be paid on a monthly basis, agenda information said.

* Jim Christy, assistant superintendent for operations, will lead a discussion on elementary attendance lines in the East Rowan area.

Agenda information states that Morgan Elementary School is over capacity and the board will discuss how to relieve the overcrowding.

Ethan H. Shive Elementary is set to open next school year and will bring additional capacity. Other surrounding elementary schools also have available capacity that could be used to ease the problem, according to the agenda.

* Board members will consider accepting a technology bid from Ken-Nect Communications for the Ethan H. Shive Elementary. The financial impact would be $116,445 in bond funds if approved.

* The 2006-2008 school improvement plans from each individual school will be presented to board members for review and approval.

* Colby Cochran, director of assessment/accountability services, will review the parent notification schedule of district and school report cards.

* Christy will present an update on the construction progress of Ethan H. Shive.

* School board members will discuss a 15-year facilities plan for school construction needs.

* The board will go into closed session.

Contact Holly Lee at 704-797-7683 or hlee@salisburypost.com.