The board approved a contract to repave the rear “strip” area behind Galesburg High School and the new Galesburg Athletic Center, a project staff said will correct extensive wear caused by construction equipment and temporary classrooms.

Facilities staff recommended awarding the contract to Centennial Contractors for $234,500. Staff said Centennial was already mobilized on the adjacent Northside project and therefore presented the lowest, most competitive bid. The board approved the contract by roll call.

Scope, timing and funding

Facilities staff said the work covers the strip behind the high school, including gravel parking areas, and that much of the area has already been disturbed repeatedly during construction. The project includes curbing and the removal and replacement of pavement where concrete speed bumps meet asphalt; staff said the concrete‑to‑concrete tie‑in reduces future erosion and long‑term maintenance costs.

The contract's substantial completion date is October 17. Staff said the district will close the work area and use fall break to minimize disruption; athletics staff coordinated to avoid conflicts with scheduled events. The project will be funded from the district’s capital projects (the 1% facility sales tax), and staff noted the district receives roughly $350,000–$380,000 per month from that revenue stream.

Why the board approved it now

Staff explained that while patching potholes would have been cheaper in the very short term, the presence of concrete speed bumps and the volume of heavy equipment over the area would have accelerated future deterioration. Replacing the strip now — while adjacent construction mobilization is in place — was presented as both a cost‑effective and safety‑improving decision.

Board action and conditions

The board moved and approved the pavement project contract; the motion passed by roll call with members recording “Aye” during the vote. Staff said the only schedule caveat would be heavy rain that prevented concrete pours, in which case staff would coordinate alternate dates with athletics and contractors.

Ending

Staff said the newly paved strip should be durable for many years and improve access and safety for athletics events and daily operations; the district will monitor weather and coordinate staging to meet the October completion target.