Franklin Field construction is progressing on schedule, with turf installation planned for the coming week and track work expected to start in about three weeks, a project representative told the Marshalltown Community School District board on Sept. 15. The board was also told masonry work to enclose the concession stand is starting this week and the district remains within project contingencies.

Board members said the update matters because the site will be used by students and the public once complete. The project team said they are working to accelerate some tasks because unusually dry weather has allowed faster earthwork but colder weather later could affect the schedule.

Mike (speaker), who provided the construction briefing, said crews have "completely graded and rocked the field" and that "turf install... goes in next week, so you'll start to see it turn green." He told the board the playgrounds were finished and turned over to school staff, and that the track install is planned to begin in about three weeks. "You'll start to see [the concession stand] come out of the ground this week as masonry starts, and we get that enclosed here probably second week in October," he said, adding the goal is to have the concession stand complete before Thanksgiving or Christmas break.

On budget, Mike said the project remains within its contingency allowances and noted, "we have not dipped into the school's contingency for the project at this time." He also warned there would be "some upcoming change orders for the next board meeting" but described them as "nothing drastic." Board President Sean Heitman and other members asked about schedule and safety measures; the team said they had added a double-fence perimeter to separate the active construction zone from children during school recess.

The update included operational details the public and staff will see when driving by: grading and rock work completed, playgrounds opened to students, turf installation imminent and the track and concession stand next in sequence. Superintendent Theron Schutte and board members thanked the project team and asked that change orders be returned for the board's formal review at the next meeting. No vote was taken on the construction update itself.

The district will receive a formal change-order package at the next board meeting for approval and will continue to monitor schedule and weather impacts in the weeks ahead.