No insurance means no jobs for school district bidders

HURLEY -The Hurley School Board's strict policy requiring proof of insurance with bids came to light again Monday.

As the board considered bids for refinishing the gymnasium floor, three of four bids were rejected because they didn't include any proof of insurance.

The board accepted a $17,150 bid from Pro Star Services, of Mequon, provided its insurance is current.

There was a lower bid from an Ironwood company, at $16,050, but it didn't include insurance proof.

"We set bid specifications for a reason and they should be followed," said board president Joe Simonich, of Kimball.

The board awarded a hallway painting bid for $11,100 to George Milewski, of Mercer, who has painted at the K-12 school in the past.

A former drivers education vehicle was sold to Dan Thomas for $2,100 and a Suburban went to Charles Kopecko for $12,148. They were the high bidders.

The board heard reports on recent state test scores from principals Jeff Gulan and Kevin Genisot. The district received mixed results and some patterns have emerged, including a dip in test performances from the eighth to tenth grades.

The principals said more in-service sessions will be aimed at improving test scores and student apathy in taking the exams will be addressed.

A new form of state testing will be put into place. "It will be a whole new ballgame," district administrator Chris Patritto said.

He added the test scores are one part of a report card the district receives from the state.

In other business Monday, the board approved strategic plans from work groups in several categories.

A Cooperative Education Services Agency 12 contract for 2014-'15 was approved for $78,099, down from the current $85,076.

Board members Joel Enking, of Oma, and Mark Wendt, of Montreal, were presented plaques by Simonich for their years of service.

Both served on the board since 2005.

"They came in together and are leaving together," Simonich said. "Both have been assets to this school district."

Neither ran for re-election and Monday marked their last meeting.

Darryl Mattson and Maria Sokol were elected to the two seats.