December 12, 2024

The Facilities Planning Board Advisory Committee met on Dec. 11 and discussed capital project updates, district priority improvements, and steps the district is taking to ensure safe drinking water in schools and buildings.

Scott Barbagallo, Executive Director of Facilities & Construction shared an update on action taken in compliance with Missouri's Get the Lead Out of School Drinking Water Act, which passed in 2022. This law sets standards for lead concentrations in school drinking water, and requires schools to conduct inventory, sampling, remediation and monitoring at all potable drinking water outlets used or potentially being used for drinking, food preparation and cooking or cleaning utensils. In an effort to keep students and staff safe, and better understand our facilities, Lindbergh Schools went above and beyond the requirements of the law by inventorying and testing every single water source (potable and non-potable) on each campus. This testing took place March 15-22, and was conducted by Environmental Operations Inc. (EOI) following a public bidding process. Learn More: https://go.lindberghschools.ws/Page/16365

In addition, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tony Lake shared an update on Prop R 2024 construction projects, including the addition of a gymnasium/storm shelter at Crestwood Elementary School, and plans to begin remodeling work at Truman Middle School in January. Also beginning this spring will be gymnasium/storm shelter construction at Long and Kennerly elementary schools. To support transparency throughout Prop R construction, Chief Financial Officer Joel Scheible is forming an ad hoc committee to review all change orders and contingency line item expenditures, and updated schedules and timelines for Prop R 2024 projects. This committee will meet as needed during Prop R 2024 construction.

Scheible also explained the district's process for reviewing capital improvements requests in each school building.

The Facilities Planning Advisory Committee will make recommendations about facility needs and improvements, instructional design and district enrollment trends. The committee will also review and update Lindbergh's demographic study every two years.

This committee is chaired by Chief Financial Officer Joel Scheible and Chief Human Resources Officer Dr. Brian McKenney. Meetings are run by Superintendent Dr. Tony Lake.

The Facilities Planning Board Advisory Committee will meet again on March 5.