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LAUREL — The Laurel-Concord- Coleridge School Board approved large expenditures at its last meeting including new security cameras, a greenhouse for ag education and spot- lights for its fine arts program.
The Laurel campus will nearly double its security cameras and other areas in the school district will be getting a security boost with the approval of Omaha-based RTI's bid of $183,000.
The quote includes 65 security cameras (23 inside and 42 outside), installation and the footage access system as well as system support, said Superin- tendent Jeremy Christiansen.
“The system allows for storage and retrieval of security footage, motion sensing notifications, and access by law enforcement and first responders, among other features," he said.
The system is the same being used currently at both campuses.
The number of security cameras almost double to ensure safety and security of students, sta, visitors and property in light of new Laurel campus facilities, Christiansen said.
Cameras currently at Laurel will be moved over to the Coleridge campus to bolster security there and also at the track/athletic complex and bus barn facility.
Funds for the new security cameras comes out of the special building fund.
The board approved another large expenditure but half of the cost has already been covered by donations.
A 30-by-60-foot greenhouse purchase was also approved in an ag education project that’s been two years in the making, Christiansen said.
The board approved the purchase of the greenhouse from Stuppy Greenhouse, based in Kansas City, Mo. The greenhouse will be assem bled on a concrete slab that connects to a short driveway leading from the new parking lot on the south side of the school.
Pat Harrington will work on preparing the concrete slab and ground drain with installation tentatively set for late July or early August, Chris- tiansen said.
LCC students of all ages will
benefit from agricultural knowledge and learning opportunities including cross-grade and content area collaboration with industrial arts, business, digital media, marketing and entrepreneurship, math, biology, chemistry and environmental science, Christian- sen said.
The LCC greenhouse project will also provide opportunities to extend current learning initiatives including the community-supported Farm Test Plot and a growing partnership with the Nebraska Northeast Agriculture Science and National Resources Education Compact which encompasses the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Northeast Community College, Wayne State College and Haskell Lab.
A $75,000 donation pledged by the Ernie Swanson family helped kick o fundraising activities for the project with other large donations received by the FFA Alumni Association and Laurel Chamber Community Club.
Another push for donations is underway to raise the remainder needed to fully fund the project - about $90,000, Christiansen said.
Besides the greenhouse purchase, other costs will include electrical wir- ing and plumbing.
At its last meeting, the board also approved the purchase of new spotlights for the fine arts stage with funds for that project coming from an annual Security Bank donation.
Current spotlights - used for play production as well as Homecoming and Prom festivities - are in poor condition, Christiansen said, with one no longer working and the other overheating.
TMS Production Integration, Omaha, will replace and install two spotlights for $11,000.
Security Bank donates $15,000 each year for special projects. The school designated these funds for fine arts program improvements.
Along with approving purchases and conducting regular business, the board approved an enhancement to the school's current CPR instruction.
Currently, students receive hands-only CPR instruction as part of Health and PE curriculum. Starting next year, that CPR instruction will include a full CPR certification.
“Our school district continues to prioritize the health and well-being of students and sta," Christiansen said. "Our eorts to become nation ally recognized as a Heart Safe school system in partnership with Children’s Hospital and Medical Center is a testament to our ongoing commitment to ensure students and sta are trained and prepared for emergency situations and to save lives."
No additional board action is necessary to adopt the CPR curriculum changes, he said.
The next board meeting is set for 7 p.m., Monday, June 12, at the Middle School board room in Coleridge.
