HOLYROOD — The USD 112 Central Plains School Board approved a new addition for CPHS-Claflin at its regular meeting on Monday.
At a cost of $368,045, the new construction will add  handicapped accessible restrooms near the football field across from the concession stand. A roof will encompass the restrooms and cover the front of the concession stand to allow for a covered eating area.
Also, a steel building will be added to the west side of the high school, which will be used as a weight room.
A Capital Improvement Committee was formed from patrons in the district in 2012. They reported to the board in September 2012, recommending a new weight room. Currently, the weight room is housed on a balcony in the gym.
Due to safety reasons, the committee and staff members recommended moving the weight room to the new facility, and the board concurred. The facility was pared down from its original $1.5 million cost to the current $348,045.
The bid went to Ponton Construction, Salina. The project is slated to be finished by the start of the 2014-15 school year.
The board discussed the project at length prior to the approval. Board Member Malcolm Shaw was concerned about the expense, as were other board members.
Superintendent Jim Runge was also concerned about the expense but was  also concerned about keeping the schools attractive.
Hawaii senior trip
Wilson High School seniors approached the board asking if their senior trip destination could be Hawaii. The trip will cost approximately $16,000, which the students anticipate raising through concession sales and a raffle. They currently have a balance of $4,800.
The seven students and four sponsors will fly out of Denver. They have 21 hours of educational activities planned, including tours of Pearl Harbor, Dole plantation, a volcano and swimming with sea lions at an aquarium.
The board approved the trip.
New superintendent
Two representatives from the Kansas Association of School Boards were present to explain the process of searching for a new superintendent. Current Superintendent Jim Runge resigned effective at the end of this school year.
They reported as of Monday, there had been three applications for the position. They will screen applicants during the first part of February who will then visit the district, allowing the board to make a decision that month.
They will make recommendations and help find an interim superintendent if need be.
In other business, the board:
• Reported that there had been a mass shooter inservice where staff was taught to “Run, Hide, or Fight.”
• Discussed the cell phone policy.
• Approved a substitute, Allison Langston.
• Heard a report from Scott Mitchum about moving district students to Chromebooks.