District 1 to discuss school parking lot improvement

At a meeting Monday, the Yuma Elementary School District governing board will hold a public hearing to gather comment from the community to move forward with a Castle Dome Middle School parking lot improvement.

During the public hearing, Chief Financial Officer Kerry Jones will review the proposed expenditure of Right-of-Way Funds.

After a widening of 24th Street some years ago, the city condemned a portion of district property on the north side of 24th Street to provide right of way for the widening project.

According to Arizona Revised Statutes, proceeds from the right of way settlement shall be deposited with the county treasurer for deposit in the school district's Condemnation Fund. With the approval by the school board, the district can move forward to apply the proceeds in the fund to construct, acquire, improve, repair or furnish school facilities or sites after notice and a hearing.

“At Castle Dome Middle School traffic congestion is a problem due to buses and vehicles dropping off students using the same entrance lane,” stated a board agenda. “The district has initiated a project to widen the entrance lane, separate the drop off and bus traffic flows and to lengthen the student drop off area. As of Jan. 2, 2013, there was $92,647.99 in the Condemnation Fund and the total project cost is estimated to be around $80,000.”

In other meeting news, District 1 Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Duane Sheppard will report to the board on academic process.

The board also will elect a governing board president and possibly a clerk.

The meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. at the district administration office, 450 6th St. Visit www.yuma.org to view the entire meeting agenda.

Sarah Womer can be reached at swomer@yumasun.com or 539-6858. Find her on Facebook at Facebook.com/YSSarahWomer or on Twitter at @YSSarahWomer.