This is the architect’s rendition of the proposed new USC school building which will be constructed later this year. The drawing is just a proposed look at this time and could change, especially the color, before the final draft is authorized.

United South Central School Board members got a progress report on the $28.825 million school to be built during a special meeting held Thursday night.

For nearly two hours, representatives of the architect firm SGN Wendel of Minneapolis and the project’s construction manager, Kraus-Anderson, went over changes and timetables being proposed.

“The meeting was to give the board enough information to respond to any questions of what is going on,” says Superintendent Jerry Jensen. “We’re getting questions from people in the district’s communities as to what is happening.”

Jim Wilson and Dan Goemann of SGN presented blueprints and drawings.

“The site plan and building floor plan concepts have stayed pretty much the same. Everything we’re looking at is the natural development of the project,” says Wilson.

Any layout changes being proposed have come with input from staff members, such as teachers, coaches and activities director.

The new school will be 155,000 square feet and have a capacity for 750 students in grades K-12.

Jensen asked the architects if there could be some tweaking to the front entrance to improve visibility of visitors coming to the school.

“The timing of a recent incident has made us more sensitive to that,” says Jensen, referring to the shooting at a Connecticut school.

Justin Webster, Nick Leimer and Gary Zifko of Kraus-Anderson outlined construction and bidding schedules.

Webster says there are plans to hold an informational meeting this month for contractors who might be interested in working on the project.

“They need to get information on what the commercial aspect is. I’ve gotten several calls already and just want to give them the information they need,” he says.

Zifko expects between 25 and 30 bid contracts will be awarded. He says some local construction companies may be able to work as sub-contractors.

Board chair Kathy Krebsbach says district officials want to provide local contractors as much information as they can.

“The board has said all along we want spend money locally,” she says.

Webster says advertisements for bids will be placed building and contractor “information sources” and local publications.

Plans are to have construction to begin before spring and completion by August 2014.

“I’m pretty excited. We’re getting a feel of what is coming a reality,” says Jensen.

In other business, board officers were voted on and committee assignments made.

Krebsbach will continue to serve as chair; Jon Feist was selected as vice-chairman; Kari Jacobson, treasurer; and Sharon Parriott, clerk.

Also, Mike Schrader was sworn in as a new board member to a four-year term.