Work continues on the new Mandan Junior High.

Project architect Al Fitterer updated the school board at its monthly meeting Monday.

The site work will be completed in the area of the building in time for construction, but outlying areas, like the football field, will be completed in the spring.

In the meantime, Fitterer is meeting again with the staff to finalize the building design.

The project will go out for bids in December or January, with construction starting in the spring. The district anticipates using the building for the fall 2008 school year.

Work is finishing up on part of the high school project to upgrade the heating and ventilation and windows. A factory representative is programming the air handling units this week, and another representative will be out next week to start the units up.

Faris Field is complete, except the fence by the concession stand still needs to be moved on to the city easement.

The board also wants to meet with the community during Saturday mornings for events called "Let's do Coffee."

Details are still being worked out. Board member Kirsten Baesler said it is likely that at least four board members would be in attendance, which is a quorum, so they would have to send out notices and bring the tape recorder.

Board member Donna Fishbeck objected to recording.

"I hate recordings," she said. "Can't we be four (board members) or less? I want input, I don't want recordings (to hinder it). I thought it was to be very light hearted, with no newspaper people."

Baesler said she thought they'd have to make notice and do recordings, regardless of how many board members attended, but was going to check with attorney Gary Thune.

The Coffee talks are part of the board's new communication plan to promote positive information about the district. The superintendent and school principals are to share positive news with the Mandan News, a weekly newspaper in Morton County.

(Reach reporter Sara Kincaid at 250-8251 or sara.kincaid@;bismarcktribune.com.)2