The North Mahaska School Board Monday night by a 2-0 vote added its newest member, Dan Gruber, who was seated to replace Jeff Walston, who had resigned.

Jerry Purdy and Veronica Tolander with Design Alliance, of Waukee, the architectural firm charged with plans, specifications and bid letting for the proposed North Mahaska Early Childhood Education Center, presented updated plans to the board. The center will now be free standing structure located to the north of the existing school building.

“So we have gone from being located down here at the southern end with a connection, to a free-standing building,” Purdy said. “Everybody had to give a little bit to make this work. But in the overall general concept, the plan will remain very much the same.”

Other changes to help generate a lower bid include a wood-framed building with interior dry wall, lack of a bay window and use of standardized windows, a metal exterior skin, fewer wood cabinets and a new mechanical system. The building’s outside dimensions are 56 feet by 96 feet, which will allow the center to accommodate the originally planned number of children.

“We were able to get the plan we thought would be the best to maintain function within the criteria, and that’s what we’ve got,” Purdy said. “We are pleased we were able to maintain the integrity of the program.”

By going to a wood-framed building, and given the current climate, the number of contractors willing to bid on the project should increase, Purdy said.

“Now price wise, ... I think this probably will be a more cost effective building,” Purdy said.

One detail Purdy left the board to mull over was the exact direction the building would face. Purdy offered the board two options: Face the front door southwest or face it northwest.

As of last night, the drawings were 95 percent complete, Purdy said. The next event is May 27, when the drawings will be let out for bid. The bids are due back on June 12 and the board will hold a public hearing to either accept or reject the bids on June 16.

In other action, the board by a 4-0 vote approved a 10 cent rate increase for K-12 and adult breakfast and lunch meals. The rate increase is expected to raise an additional $7,000, yet still keeps meals at the North Mahaska School District one of the cheapest in the area.

Herald City Editor Michael Schaffer can be reached by email at mschaffer@oskyherald.com