By Lori EhdeLuverne School Board members accepted bids Tuesday for remodeling the middle school and high school administrative offices.Contracts were awarded to the following low bidders:oJans Corporation, Sioux Falls, will serve as general contractors for $81,700. Their alternate bid for storage cabinets in the reception area was $1,300.oMidwestern Mechanical Inc., Sioux Falls, will complete the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning work for $58,390.oFulda Electric, Brandon, will do the electrical and lighting work for $19,950.Work on the project, which includes updated flooring and lighting in those office areas, will begin as soon as school is dismissed this spring.The total cost of $159,915 was budgeted in the capital improvements fund.Virtual Rally todaySuperintendent Vince Schaefer is encouraging school staff and district residents to participate in a Virtual Rally today online.From 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. public education supporters can contact lawmakers urging them to secure adquate funding for education.oCall Gov. Tim Pawlenty at (651) 296-3391oCall House leader Steve Sviggum at (651) 296-2273oCall Senate leader Dean Johnson at (651) 296-3826.For more information, go to the Web site www.AllianceForStudentAchievement.org or call the Luverne District office at 283-8088.Showcase on elementary counselorFor the board’s showcase agenda item, Elementary Counselor Marie Atkinson Smeins presented information on her work with students.She said there’s an increased focus on bullying and helping students establish healthy relationships and self esteem in order to respond appropriately.Her small counseling groups continue to address friendship, anger management, ADD and ADHD, study skills and changing families.Individual counseling sessions focus on issues such as family changes, friendship, behaviors, attitude, anger management, alcohol abuse in the home, death, etc.She’ll be a presenter at the Minnesota School Counselors Association meeting May 1-3 in St. Cloud. She’ll present information on wellness, stress and organization.In personnel matters Tuesday, the boardoApproved the final seniority and probationary list for certified staffoApproved Jerrod Gertsema as long-term substitute for Jill Wagner for the remainder of the school year. It’s a half-time position.oApproved a maternity leave request for paraprofessional Angela Fick starting around May 2 for the remainder of the school year.oAccepted the retirement of Steve Kollman, elementary physical education teacher, effective June 3.oAccepted the resignation of paraprofessional Rosemary Moerke, effective April 8.oApproved Sarah Johnson as volunteer softball coach for grades 9-12.In other business Tuesday, the boardoHeard from Spanish students Erin Hoiland and Becca Sandager about a June 14-28 trip to Spain.Five sophomores, two juniors and two seniors in Lori Gladis’ Spanish class will go. They’ll take in the sights and culture of locations such as Madrid, Segovia, Toledo, Granada and Sevilla.oHeard from Principal Gary Fisher about preliminary staffing in the middle school and high school.He said class schedules are coming together for next year. The middle school staffing schedule will be similar to this year’s, but the high school set-up is more complicated.oSet a bid date of 2 p.m. on April 26 to receive bids for roofing repair over the middle school-high school library and ag shop areas. Work won’t begin until after July, so the costs will affect next year’s budget.oHeard that Inflatable Gym Night will be April 15.oHeard that Kindergarten Roundup will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in an open house format. A formal orientation will be scheduled with parents in August.