Watertown School Board Approves LATC Trading Lab Upgrades, Nursing Simulator Bids and $60,600 Surgical Mannequins
- Steve Jurrens
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown School Board approved several property‑related items Monday night, including a contingency increase for the Ag Commodities Trading Lab, a construction change order, and new simulation mannequins for both the Nursing and Surgical Technology programs. All items were presented under Agenda Item 4.2 – Property by LATC President Tiffany Sanderson.
Contingency Increased for Ag Commodities Trading Lab
Under Item 4.2.1, Sanderson requested approval to increase the project contingency for the Ag Commodities Trading Lab by $10,000, bringing the total contingency to $21,500.
She noted that the lab is being constructed in an area where two South Campus buildings merge, and additional structural issues were discovered during renovation.
“They found a few things that needed additional attention,” Sanderson said, explaining the need for the added contingency.
The board unanimously approved the increase on a motion by Jean Moulton, seconded by Kari Lohr.
Change Order Adds Structural and Electrical Work
Under Item 4.2.2, Sanderson presented Change Order #1, tied directly to the increased contingency. The change order totals $14,369 and includes:
· Reinforcement inside walls to support heavy equipment
· Electrical trenching in the floor to power trading lab tables
The change brings the total construction contract to $234,869.
The board approved the change order on a motion by Lohr, seconded by Moulton.
LATC Seeks Bids for New Nursing Mannequins
Under Item 4.2.3, Sanderson requested authority to seek bids for new nursing mannequins for the main campus simulation center.
“We have two sources of grant funding dedicated to purchase these nursing mannequins,” she said.
The authority to bid was approved unanimously on a motion by Moulton, seconded by Lohr.
Board Accepts $60,600 Bid for Surgical Mannequins
Under Item 4.2.4, Sanderson presented a sole bid of $60,600 for new surgical mannequins needed for the Surgical Technology program. The bid met all specifications and will be fully funded through grants.
Sanderson highlighted that most of the grant support comes from Relia Bank, in partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, which awarded LATC equipment funding last spring.
“They’ll be helping to increase the experience our surg tech students have,” Sanderson said. “So, a big thank you to Reliabank.”
Board Chair Jon Iverson also expressed appreciation for the donation.
The bid was approved unanimously.
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