Next step in new building plans at West Holmes is a traffic study for proposed road
KILLBUCK − One of next steps on the route to a new kindergarten-grade five school building in the West Holmes District is a traffic study.
The study is need in order to put in a road off state Route 754, Superintendent Eric Jurkovic told board members at their Monday meeting.
"We're moving right along, and I'll keep you updated as much as possible," he said.
A site survey of the 55-acre lot behind West Holmes High School has been done, and the next step is boring the soil to collect samples of bedrock and soil to determine physical and chemical properties.
"There are two places where they would like to place the building," Jurkovic said. "One is on the practice field of the middle school and the other spot slightly down a hill, but that depends on the soil boring and where it would fit."
Jurkovic noted there is about 300,000 pounds of dirt where the practice football field is, and the contractor would like to shift some of that dirt down the hill.
The superintendent said the proposed single campus building is expected to be 180,000 square feet.
Jurkovic said meetings have been going on with the core teams on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month to discuss the Program of Requirement (POR), which includes the number of classrooms, small group rooms, office space, STEM rooms, locker placement and hallway sizes, among other specifications for the building.
A real feel of Thanksgiving
In other matters at the meeting, a group of FFA students thanked the board for allowing them to attend the National Western Stock Show in Denver, followed by a senior at West Holmes who thanked the teachers and staff at Killbuck Elementary for what they did for him 12 years ago, and the new football coach thanked the board for the opportunity to return home and coach the Knights.
Senior FFA members Bree Pringle, Lana Croskey, Wyatt Schlauch and John Maloney shared the highlights of the trip taken to Colorado by nine West Holmes seniors on Jan. 12-16. The trip included a visit to the 12,000-acre Maxwell Ranch, a cattle ranch and research facility that is connected to Colorado State University. The ranch manager spoke to the students and took them on a tour.
They also visited a Wild West Show, a rodeo, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the Red Rocks Amphitheater, Buffalo Bill Museum and a buffalo herd nature preserve.
"Thank you for allowing us to go on that trip," Pringle said.
Applause for staff at Killbuck Elementary
West Holmes senior Kyle Maltarich followed with a thank you to teachers and staff at Killbuck Elementary.
"Something I don't think teachers hear enough is thank you for making me a well-rounded student," Maltarich said. "Each and every one of you made me a hard worker, from the first day I stepped into kindergarten with Mrs. Hughes to the last day with Mrs. Smith. It just shows that they care."
Maltarich noted how much he appreciated the efforts of the staff at Killbuck School when he attended and commended them on the job they still do.
Grateful for the opportunity to coach
Keaton Leppla, who recently accepted the job as football coach of the Knights, was on hand for the official approval by the board. Leppla also was hired as technology teacher with the start date to be determined.
"I am super grateful for the opportunity," Leppla said. "My family and I are excited to be coming back as an alum. I'm ready to go to work. Thank you."
Killbuck students honored by principal
Killbuck Principal Brian Lash commended the efforts of a trio of fifth-grade students who recently enjoyed success.
Haden Lint was recognized for his winning essay in the Tom Graham 5th Grade Farm Tour. Ellie Schafer took second place in the contest.
Cambree Garver was recognized for winning the Killbuck Elementary School Spelling Bee, and Schafer took second place.
Schafer then went on to finish as co-champion in the Holmes County Spelling Bee.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: New building plans at West Holmes move to traffic study, location
