Progress on major facilities planning and a strong financial outlook were the focus of a presentation to the Perry County School District 32 Board of Education during its Dec. 10 meeting, as district leaders received an update on construction planning and results of the district’s annual financial audit.
Construction update
Colin Rogers, president of Brockmiller Construction, outlined the next steps in planning a new metal building project for the district, including efforts to fast-track construction, manage costs, and position the project for long-term flexibility.
Rogers told the board that the district is moving toward ordering a pre-engineered metal building early in the process — a strategy designed to shorten the overall construction timeline at a time when material lead times remain unpredictable.
“In these types of projects, the building itself often has to come first,” Rogers explained. “We determine the size and shape of the structure, and then design the interior to work within that footprint.”
Once the building shell is established, architects would finalize life-safety requirements, classroom counts, occupancy limits, restroom placement, and egress routes. Rogers said this approach allows work such as surveying and geotechnical testing to proceed while interior planning continues.
Rogers emphasized that metal buildings provide cost advantages and long-term adaptability. Larger structures often reduce per-square-foot costs, and interior metal-stud and drywall construction makes future remodeling less expensive than traditional brick-and-mortar facilities.
“Education needs change over time,” Rogers said. “These buildings are much easier and cheaper to adapt five or 10 years down the road.”
Several potential building sites on campus were reviewed, with Rogers noting that the parking lot area between the football fields currently appears to offer the most advantages. The site is relatively flat, has nearby utilities, and would require less costly site preparation than other options. However, final decisions will depend on geotechnical testing and further evaluation.
Rogers also discussed the district’s potential shift to a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) delivery method for the project. Under CMAR, the construction manager is involved earlier in the design process and assumes responsibility for cost controls, scheduling, and coordination, while still competitively bidding the actual construction work.
He said the CMAR approach could reduce administrative burden for district staff, streamline payment processing, and potentially lower costs by allowing the construction manager to carry required insurance and bonding at favorable rates. “It gives the district more control over schedule and cost, while still maintaining transparency and competitive bidding,” Rogers said.
District 32 audit
Alongside construction planning, the board also received a positive financial report during the meeting by Van de Ven LLC, CPA, of Cape Girardeau.
Melvin J. Van de Ven, CPA, reported an unqualified opinion, the highest level of assurance in an audit, indicating the district’s financial statements are accurate and free of material misstatements. No findings or material weaknesses were identified.
Van de Ven said the district’s governmental fund balance increased by approximately $2.08 million, representing about a 21 percent increase from the previous year. The general fund rose by nearly $1 million, while the capital projects fund saw a significant increase due largely to limited major expenditures during the year.
Total district receipts were reported at approximately $30.6 million, a slight decrease from the prior year, largely attributed to reduced federal funding as pandemic-related aid continues to phase out. That decline was offset by modest increases in state and local revenues and by lower overall expenditures.
Van de Ven noted that expenses decreased by more than 8 percent overall, contributing to the district’s improved bottom line. The district’s unrestricted fund balance remains well above state benchmark recommendations, placing District 32 in a strong financial position.
The audit also confirmed that all district funds operated within approved budget limits and that the district showed no signs of financial stress.
Taken together, Rogers said the district’s financial stability places it in a good position to move forward thoughtfully with long-term facilities planning.
“Strong finances give you options,” Rogers said. “It allows you to plan carefully, make smart decisions, and invest in facilities that will serve students well into the future.”
District officials said further discussion and formal decisions on construction timelines, site selection, and delivery methods will continue in the coming months.
The board approved the following:
■ Lydia Schlimpert, as the MSBA John T. Belcher Scholarship nominee for the school district.
■ CTE Enhancement Grant Proposal
■ Temporary central office bid in the amount of $408,214.48
■ Geo-tech Services with Holcim Engineering for a temporary building location as the parking lot between the two football fields. In closed session, the following motions were approved by the board:
■ The retirement of Julie Brewer, paraprofessional teacher aide, as of 2-27-26.
■ Resignations given by Sherri Palmer, teacher, as of 6-30-26; Christina Kannenberg, paraprofessional student aide, as of 12-5-25.
■ Teacher hires for the 2026- 2027 School Year; Steven Browning, Allison Haertling, Haley DiMercurio and Kacie Daigger.
■ District hires for the 2025- 2026 School Year: Blake Bodendieck, paraprofessional student aide; Gabriel Shrout, bus driver; and Gina Martin, critical shortage teacher.
