A long, severe, winter followed by a short spring brought us to the last meeting of Andover School Board for the 2013-2014 school year.

Oil bids were considered in preparation for the next season, and the choice was made to accept the low bid  of $3.1275 per gallon, firm, by AD&G Fuel Company.

Funding of the additional $25,000 to the Regular Education High School Tuition Expendable Trust Fund and $25,000 to the Special Education Expendable Trust Fund was approved, conditional of sufficient fund balance. These expenditures are difficult to predict and made even more so by the increased student mobility that we experience from year to year.

Funding and approval of summer maintenance projects was limited to serious safety hazards and replacement of necessary equipment. Additional structural needs and any long-term maintenance items would be evaluated by the Facilities Sustainability Study being conducted by the Frank P. Marinace Company.

Superintendent Mike Martin was applauded at this, his last meeting as our Superintendent, and appreciation expressed for his years of service to the Board. His unique combination of education and business degrees and quiet problem-solving ability will be missed.

At a subsequent work session of the Board, Tibor Farcas of Frank P. Marinace Company presented a preliminary checklist based on meetings with AE/MS administration and staff. This was discussed by the Board and the agreement with the architect further defined.

Superintendent Mike Martin provided a one-hour tour of exterior facilities, accompanied in part by Don Gould. This study is to include all facilities now owned by the Andover School District, both inside and outside of all buildings.