Barnes bans contractors from students

CHESANING – Big Rock Elementary School Parent Brian Lewis approached the Chesaning Union School Board about his concerns regarding the interaction of school children with the contractors working on Big Rock Elementary School.

Lewis said he was told that the contractors have not had screening verification checks.

Superintendent Donald Barnes responded saying, “The contractors are responsible. Background checks were not required.

Lewis complained that parents are required to show a drivers license and go through a background check. “I’ve heard contractors have been using the restrooms [during school hours]!”

Barnes responded, “That has been addressed with the construction manager today.” He explained that the contractors have porta johns to use. There is no reason for them to be using the school’s restrooms inside the school or interacting with the children.

In related news, the school board approved a change order in the Big Rock construction project that would extend the new roofing over the entire new expansion, which includes two more classrooms than the base bid. The additional cost of the change order was $12,650.

Work on the building expansion is expected to begin the week following Thanksgiving.