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Proposed renovations to the Harlan Elementary School include plans to construct a handicapped access ramp.

During a meeting of the Harlan Independent Board of Education on Tuesday, different construction options for such a ramp were considered.

Jimmy Piper, principal Architect for GRW Engineers, presented two separate schematics for the board’s consideration during his presentation of documents concerning the renovation project.

Piper outlined the cost involved for each scheme for the board’s consideration.

“Scheme A is at $78,000, scheme B is at $50,000 and the original scheme was at $64,000,” said Piper. “We’ve come in with Scheme B under the cost of our original scheme.”

According to board member Dr. Matt Nunez, scheme B is a more user friendly option as well as being more cost effective.

“Dealing with somebody in a wheelchair, this switchback under the canopy would be difficult to maneuver,” said Nunez. “My mother’s in a wheelchair that we have to drive for her, and those are ridiculously difficult to get somebody maneuvered around. Even though, it’s nice that it’s under a canopy.”

The board also took into consideration the cost of both plans.

“I think scheme B is more feasible, and obviously it’s less,” said Nunez. “It would be easier to maneuver and it would incorporate things we already have there.”

The board found other aspects of scheme B appealing.

“Scheme B is going to be constructed more quickly,” said Piper. “You’re not going to have the demo, you’re not going to have as tall retaining walls with scheme B.”

Piper pointed out scheme B would utilize the shortest route to the entrance.

After some discussion, the board agreed to go with scheme B for the handicap access entrance to the elementary school.

In other board activity:

* A motion was made by Nunez at the recommendation of Superintendent David Johnson to decline the offer from the Kentucky School Boards Association regarding acceptance of an Energy Management Program for Schools. The motion was seconded by Kat Stacey. It passed with no opposition;

* At Johnson’s recommendation, a motion was made by Nunez and seconded by Will Miller to approve the Kentucky Educational Technology System (KETS) FY 12 Technology Activity Report. The motion passed with no opposition.

Reach Joe P. Asher at 606-573-4510, ext. 113, jasher@civitasmedia.com