Rugby school board members received their first look at the initial designs for renovation and new construction at the Rugby Jr.-Sr. High, and while members, for the most part, liked what they saw from the architect, they expressed concerns that the plans didn’t include a ground source heat or removal of asbestos.

Board members believe a ground heating source has to be a component of any renovation at the school to alleviate lingering problems with heating in several classrooms in the building. And removing or encapsulating asbestos was one of the first concerns the board had when looking into renovations.

Chuck Volk, board member, requested the architect, Zerr Berg, of Fargo, to include ground source heat and asbestos removal as part of its next design plans. Other board members agreed, but just how much that would add to the cost of the project is not known. Already, the price tag is at the $6 million mark.

It’s likely the board would have to scale back the project, cutting back on some light remodeling or features in the new addition. Volk pointed out, however, that installing ground source heat would mean a second boiler system would not be necessary, thus saving some costs.

The architect broke the project into three areas – new construction, major remodeling and light remodeling.

New construction could include a larger commons and cafeteria area which would be located just west of the existing gym commons. That would replace the existing cafeteria which is on the west side and is not handicap-accessible. Plans also call for the front office, reception area and principal’s office to be located there. However, board members questioned why those offices were not placed in an area closer to the classrooms.

Major remodeling would include the 1957 wing of the building, which includes the southwest and west sides of the building. Classrooms would essentially be gutted. Those classrooms have been plagued with poor heating and cooling over the years. The existing cafeteria would be transformed into a wellness center/weight room. A wrestling practice room would be created in an existing classroom just south of the cafeteria.

Light remodeling would include painting and new flooring in other areas, including the science and vocational agriculture rooms as well as the music department and auditorium.

Jeff Lind, school superintendent, said the architect’s preliminary cost of the project is very close to what the initial building assessment plan prepared by the architect firm, Davison Larson of Minot.

Zerr Berg did spend time getting faculty input when drafting its initial designs and more ideas will be called for by faculty before moving ahead with another draft.

The plans are very preliminary and could change several times before a final draft is ready, said Cory Johnson, board member.