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Mathews board forgoes contract for utility ramp
By Jordan Cohen
VIENNA
Three food-service workers persuaded the Mathews Local Board of Education against going forward with a $51,000 contract to install a cafeteria utility ramp for delivery of supplies and food to the high school.
Superintendent Lee Seiple had recommended the project.
The board, after listening to the employees’ comments, voted unanimously against awarding the contract.
“Looks like you saved the district $51,000,” said Ken Wallace, board president.
The three, Paula Nowery, Shirley Burns and Evelyn Moyer, argued that the angle of the ramp was too steep and they were concerned about potential food spillage.
“A food van driver told us about these problems,” Burns said, adding that the district’s food carts that carry the food are “worn out.”
The three also said that there was no need for the ramp because of another alternative.
“There’s a handicap-accessible ramp near the gym in the back of the school, and it could easily handle those deliveries,” Burns said.
Seiple had suggested the new ramp because of the additional food shipments that will be required when seventh- and eighth-graders move to the high school from Neal Middle School, scheduled to close at the end of the school year.
The board, however, approved a contract for more than $68,000 to Mariano Construction, Howland, for bathroom renovations at the high school, also required by the influx of the additional students next fall. Seiple said Mariano had the lowest bid.
In another item, the superintendent said that at the board’s meeting in March, he will list the positions to be eliminated as part of his two-year plan to cut more than $600,000 in projected deficit spending.