As construction continues on the new Daniel Boone Elementary – located at Highway 47 and Ash Road – Matt McDermot from Hoerner Architects provided the Warren County R-III School Board with information on the project.

At the board’s January meeting, McDermott presented status updates on the various parts of the overall project.

“The cement has gone down on the basin, so that can control what Mother Nature may throw at us if it rains in the next month or who knows what the rollercoaster of weather will bring,” McDermott said. “It’s good to get that basin tidied up.”

McDermott added that the concrete has been poured and the parking lot has been striped.

He also provided progress reports on the HVAC system, drywalling, exterior sheathing, electrical, ductwork, the air handling unit, concrete piers for cooling towers and footing and bollards for the trash enclosures.

Even as the project moves along, there are still hurdles to clear before it is finished, McDermott cautioned.

While work on the school remains ahead of schedule for its initially projected December completion date, the board had a pair of items to approve at its meeting to address minor issues that have arisen.

As part of the new business section of the board meeting, the body approved the $7,500 cost of an archeological survey for the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and a $11,060 change order for engineering testing.

The survey deals with the frontage of the Daniel Boone property. Superintendent Dr. Gregg Klinginsmith provided detailed information on the expenditures.

“As part of the expansion on Highway 47, they’re requesting that an archeological study be done on the site,” Klinginsmith said. “It’s part of the project. That’s part of the MoDOT requirement. It’s fairly standard. Let’s hope they don’t find anything.”

When questioned by the board about the necessity for the survey, McDermott said that nothing specific is being sought; it’s just that the construction area is in an area with an unidentified concern for MoDOT, prompting the survey.

“It’s one of the items on their checklist,” McDermott said. “But this is one of the items that raises a flag. Hopefully, there is nothing, but they go through 30-something items.”

Additionally, the change order covers the cost of testing installations at the build site.

“This is (funded as) a part of the contingency fund, so it’s an additional cost,” said Klinginsmith of the need for board approval. “This is to examine the concrete and the brick to make sure it’s being installed correctly.”

Both measures passed by a unanimous vote of the assembled members, with only Treasurer Rich Barton and Board Member Stephanie Tibbetts absent.