The Antigo School Board voted to remove the balcony bleachers in the high school gym and to close the openings to create improved and safer space for gymnastics and wrestling. Board members described cramped training areas on the balcony and said current conditions limit practice and create hazards around apparatus and runways.

Board member Abby moved the measure, saying the balcony area is underused and creates safety concerns for the gymnastics and wrestling programs. A district facilities manager explained the removed bleacher components are the same vintage as other gym bleachers and that key parts would be salvaged for future repairs. The board discussed HVAC limitations in the balcony and noted that separating the balcony from the gym will likely improve the top-level space until a full HVAC replacement is possible. "Once we get everything replaced, it will be much, much better," a staff member said.

Why it matters: The change aims to improve athlete safety and create more usable practice space for gymnastics and wrestling. Trustees said it also supports long-term facility planning and would be an appropriate use of referendum capital dollars if larger HVAC or structural upgrades are planned.

Details and next steps: The board approved the removal and closure as presented; the district will salvage parts for bleacher repairs and include potential HVAC upgrades in future capital planning.