Doctor Newsome provided a construction update on the Dickinson High School rebuild, reporting that most foundation and footing work is complete and that precast wall installation for the elevator section was scheduled to begin shortly. “The foundation of the school is probably 80%, done, 85% done at this point,” he said.

Newsome described why construction fencing has extended into the parking area: roof runoff and stormwater lines required contractors to push work farther south while they pour footings for the auditorium, creating stepped back fencing and temporarily changing primary entrances. He told the board the auxiliary entrance will still be usable as an emergency exit but “that won’t be the primary entrance until probably the November.”

On parking, Newsome said the district will not permanently lose parking beyond the construction footprint, but spaces will remain constrained while on‑site construction continues into next summer. When a board member asked for an exact count of lost stalls, Newsome said he would obtain a precise number; one board member gave a rough estimate during discussion of about 70 spaces but the board asked staff to provide an exact count.

Newsome outlined remaining work: backfilling and utility installations on the academic wing already poured; ongoing footing and foundation work on the east side of the auditorium; and the arrival of precast components and crane setup. The board asked principal and operations staff to draft letters to the school community on parking, entry and exit procedures ahead of the school year.