By Bobbie Washburn Ruhnow Staff Writer
CULVER —Renovation of the Culver Elementary School gymnasium and use of the old Administration Building were the main topics on the Culver Community school board agenda.
Martin Truesdell, Greg Saal, and Woody Holm of Stair & Associates, Indianapolis, presented costs and plans for the major overhaul of the historic gym that could be done in phases.
Phase 1 would include adding locker rooms, new entryway and bathrooms at a cost of $427,000. Phase 2 would include  replacement of the present seating with retractable metal bleachers, increasing storage space and repair and re-stripe the gym floor at a cost of $380,000.

Seating for sporting events would be 275 and could be increased to 516 if needed.
Problems outlined by Truesdell, included water drainage issues on the lower level of the gym that was used in the past as an art room.
Another problem is the differing architectural styles incorporated in the elementary school.
Keeping the historic look of the old gym and blending it to the unusual facade of the multi-media center and the architectural details of the renovated class room area will be a challenge, Truesdell told the board.
There are no "soft" costs involved in the amounts projected and the amount may be reduced by $15,000 if no hazardous materials are found in the old boiler room section of the gym. The board will review the presentation for a later decision.
Rob Ryan, Bowen Center director, accompanied by Letecia Timmel and Erin Betzer, discussed the possible use of the old Administration building on Ohio Street to provide an opportunity for a transitional program to get students with learning difficulties back into the academic mainstream.
Presently, the Bowen Center has two outpatient facilities in Plymouth, along with two residential sites. Ryan said they currently have about 1,500 patients of which 40 percent are children. The Academic program proposed for the Culver area would assist about 16 children. There would be one full-time teacher and aide along with therapists. Scheduled from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., approximately five hours would be devoted to Academics with time for one on one therapy.
Ryan told the board they hoped to partner with JESSE who have indicated approval of supporting a Culver site. Partnering with JESSI would provide financial funding for the academic portion of the program while Bowen Center would address therapy aspects. Brad Schuldt, superintendent, said that he has talked with JESSI directors who indicated interest and approval of the proposal.
The Boys & Girls Club of Culver have also expressed interest in using the building as a teen facility. Ryan noted this would not necessarily be a conflict. Teen activities would ordinarily take place in the evening while the Bowen Center's use would be through the day.
Further discussion on the proposals will take place at the June board meeting when Boys & Girls Club representatives, JESSE and Bowen Center representatives will be present. Details regarding ownership of the building, liability issues, and maintenance will have to be addressed. Ryan noted that after an on site inspection of the building, he and his staff were enthused that the building would meet all their requirements for a Culver site.
In other business, school improvement plans were tentatively approved with the board asking for more time to read the 75 page report.
Schuldt updated the group with the present cost of diesel fuel for the buses. He noted that the cost per gallon is $4.18 with some stations in Plymouth charging as much as $5.00. He said that 80 percent of Indiana schools are beginning a surcharge for patrons for transporting students to extra-curricular activities. Ed Behnke, board member, noted that there was some support for a four day school week to cut the cost of transportation.
Starke County has certified the tax rate and Schuldt reported that the rate was approved for the four counties at .8574. The total assessed valuation for the four counties is $830 million.
     Board members congratulated Albert Hanselman on the well-run graduation ceremonies.