In the dimly lit conference room of the Lewis Central Community School District, a sense of progress filled the air as officials gathered for the September 22 School Board Meeting. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as Brett, a key project manager, stepped up to provide an update on several ongoing construction projects that are shaping the future of local schools.

Brett began by highlighting the nearing completion of the high school tennis courts, where the final touches, including surfacing and net installation, are set to take place next week. The project, which has seen the installation of a new fence and poured slabs, is on track to wrap up shortly, much to the relief of students and staff eager to utilize the new facilities.

However, not all updates were as smooth. Brett addressed a snag encountered with the high school addition project, which has been delayed due to a recent change in city permitting policies. A new software system requires an upfront plan review fee that the architect was not informed about, causing a delay in the review process. Despite this setback, Brett reassured the board that the footings for the addition are ready to be poured once the permit is secured, with structural steel expected to arrive in early October.

The meeting also shed light on the geothermal mechanical supplement project at Titan Hill, where installation of boilers is underway, and preparations for additional piping are in progress. This project is part of a broader initiative to enhance energy efficiency across the district.

Looking ahead, Brett shared plans for next summer's projects, including a significant roof replacement at the high school and a renovation of the middle school’s exterior. The board is also exploring the conversion of old tennis courts into a parking lot to accommodate growing needs, especially highlighted during recent events like homecoming.

In a proactive move, the district is addressing issues with the middle school’s sanitary system, having identified several leaks during a recent inspection. This discovery marks a crucial step in ensuring the integrity of the school’s infrastructure.

As the meeting progressed, discussions shifted to the SWIAC Apex consortium agreement, which would allow students to attend programs in Glenwood without any financial commitment unless they enroll. The board also reviewed updates to administrative policies, ensuring alignment with current practices.

With a focus on optimizing mechanical controls for HVAC systems next summer, the district is set to enhance the learning environment significantly. Brett emphasized the importance of these upgrades, which will replace outdated systems and improve temperature control in various school areas.

As the meeting concluded, the board members expressed optimism about the progress made and the plans ahead. The commitment to improving facilities reflects a broader vision for the district, ensuring that students have access to safe, modern, and efficient learning environments. The community can look forward to a series of enhancements that promise to enrich the educational experience for years to come.