Lewis Central reports most summer facilities projects finished; some playground and parking work delayed by rain

Lewis Central administrators reported that about 95% of the district’s planned summer facilities projects are on time, with numerous projects completed and a few delayed by weather or site complications. Staff said completed work includes new phones, chiller controls and RTUs, the high school roof, commons painting, LED lighting in several buildings, fire alarm installation at the high school and several security-camera and door-contact upgrades. Several athletic and building-improvement projects also are nearing completion, including the weight room renovations and a new stadium sound system. Officials said delays stemmed largely from weather and a damaged culvert under a roadway near the high school parking-lot expansion; the culvert required a revised plan and replacement before the parking lot can be completed. Craft playground equipment had been stripped and was awaiting reinstallation after manufacturing/assembly; the district now expects craft’s playground to be finished one to two weeks after school starts, and Titan Hill playground work to complete in September or October. The board approved a design-fee proposal with Lampry Andersen (Lampranersen/Lampraniersen in the minutes) for a 2026 middle-school parking-lot replacement. The motion, recorded in the minutes, authorized design work and related services at a fee of $82,000. Facilities staff and construction managers credited project advocates and construction partners for keeping most projects near budget and schedule; board members said they would begin planning summer 2026 projects as this year’s work wraps up. Action on the middle-school design fee: motion carried with recorded yes votes by Missus McDaniel; Missus Peterson; Missus Sheffel; Mister Sturm; Miss Atkins; Mister Wright.