Kilgore ISD trustees heard a construction progress briefing and alternatives pricing plan for a Chandler Elementary gym addition and received details on finishing work at the new Kilgore High School during their July meeting. The board approved a vendor quote for owner‑furnished audiovisual equipment for the new high school.

Officials said work is advancing at the new high school, the district’s career and technical education (CTE) spaces and the Chandler Elementary project, though some site work will wait until existing building demolition begins. “The notorious water pit is now being filled up with foam and closed in. So that’s great progress. We’re excited to see that,” Blake Holmes said during the construction update.

The presentation laid out a base bid and four alternates for Chandler Elementary’s gym addition. The base bid would add the new gym and renovate connecting spaces. Alternate 1 would remove the renovated area down to the concrete pad; Alternate 2 would convert the existing gym into a covered play area; Alternate 3 would add a concrete path, metal building canopy, a new drop‑off and a 23‑space parking lot; and Alternate 4 would extend the private drive to create a loop around the campus. Staff said the alternate breakdown is intended to help the board and district match work to available bond capacity.

District staff cautioned that playground equipment is not included in the bond discussions and that the project will remove at least part of the existing playground once demolition begins. “I lose that playground as soon as this project goes … the first thing to go is gonna be half of your playground equipment in Chandler,” a staff member said. Trustees and staff discussed potential relocation or repurposing of existing equipment and that a funding plan for replacement had not yet been specified.

At the new high school site, photos and narration showed masonry, exterior sheathing, roofing and the installation of a transformer and generator serving the kitchen. Staff said crews poured foam and wiring under the gym floor and planned a 10‑foot temporary apron and French drain to control water runoff while work continues. For the field house, staff reported removal of old carpet and installation of 16‑millimeter rubber flooring; they estimated the work would be complete by midweek, with a contingency day possible.

On a related action, trustees approved owner‑furnished technology purchases for the new Kilgore High School. The board voted to accept a vendor quote (Data Projections, quote 27073) for $54,910.99 to supply projectors and screens for auditorium, choir, orchestra and CTE spaces; the motion was made and seconded, and the vote tally on the record was 7‑0 in favor.

Staff said pricing from the general contractor on Chandler alternates will be presented at a future meeting before the district commits bond funds. The district also noted that some campus access and temporary circulation plans will remain in place while construction continues.

Less urgent details included salvaging an ornate arched header from a removed entryway for use as a planter or signage and coordination of furniture delivery and access control for an annex building that is being remodeled.