The $5 million grant will facilitate a range of improvements, with enhancements to trails and the construction of a new track and turf football field being top priorities. The new track and field will include ADA-compliant bleachers and updated concessions. The placement of discus and shot put areas will be determined following further consultations with user groups. To expedite the design process, prior survey work and soil borings have been completed, allowing for a four to six-month timeline. An internal kickoff meeting is scheduled for December to align architects and engineers on the project’s scope.

In addition to the referendum news, the meeting addressed the outcomes of the bidding process for a major construction project. The project was divided into six work scopes, with bids ranging from $21 million to $25,375,000. Despite the lowest base bid totaling $21,043,000, this figure exceeded the original budget of $18,776,786. To bridge the budget gap, several adjustments were proposed, including an increase in bond referendum funds and energy rebates, raising the available budget to $19,739,000. However, this still left a shortfall of $1,224,000.

To reconcile the remaining difference, the board is considering cost reductions, such as changing window materials and modifying air conditioning specifications. The flex room by the cafeteria, previously estimated at $500,000, was removed from the project to help achieve budget alignment. The board emphasized the need to maintain the project’s quality while exploring potential savings. Adjustments will be made only after a thorough evaluation of their impact, with recommendations to be presented at the upcoming December 11 meeting.

Discussions also focused on managing contracts and exploring cost-saving strategies while ensuring project completion. Board members considered asking contractors for suggestions on where costs could be trimmed, with basketball hoops cited as a potential area. The conversation also highlighted the strategic use of Long-Term Facilities Maintenance funds, estimated at $200,000 to $300,000, to support critical project features like front canopies and gender-neutral bathrooms, particularly in locker room renovations. A proposal to reduce the scope of elementary area bathrooms was suggested to further economize.

The meeting also saw acknowledgments and recognitions, particularly in sports and student achievements. The activities director highlighted the successful seasons of the fall sports teams, with the boys’ cross country and football teams advancing to state competitions. Additionally, the junior varsity knowledge bowl team clinched first place in a regional tournament. The student school board member reported on the varsity football team’s achievements, expressing optimism for the upcoming winter sports season.

The superintendent’s report provided updates on various school activities, including a sixth-grade trip to the state capitol and the Guthrie Theater. He commended teachers for organizing the outing and noted the successful parent conferences held over three weeks, adjusted due to scheduling conflicts with football games. The superintendent also mentioned planned fundraisers for trips to Spain and Washington, D.C., and ongoing discussions about an athletic training services agreement, emphasizing safety compliance.