Superintendent Blatt told the Lincoln County Board of Education on July 29 that construction at the Duval site is visibly progressing and that the district has several facilities projects moving through the bidding process.

Why it matters: New buildings and security upgrades affect when students can safely occupy new facilities and how visitors and staff access campuses. Staff described a target substantial‑completion date and near‑term procurement steps for multiple projects.

What staff reported: Blatt said “there’s quite a bit of walls up” at the Duval site and the project is “looking good.” The superintendent said a bid opening is scheduled Thursday to replace antiquated fuel tanks and that the district will open a mandatory pre‑bid on Aug. 11 for planned paving projects. A pre‑bid for a secure entrance at Lincoln County High School is advertised and expected soon.

On the high‑school security work, the superintendent described a vestibule that will be walled off with a pass‑through window for the secretary and a badge‑scan door to control access; outside door handles will be adjusted so one door becomes the late‑arrival entrance and the other remains the regular entrance. The work is intended to make visitor access consistent with the secure entrance at the central office.

Projected schedule: Board members asked about opening dates for Midway and the other new school; staff gave a projected substantial‑completion date of Nov. 16, 2026, and said a district move‑in would depend on systems start‑up and a final punch‑list sign‑off by the architect and clerk of works. Superintendent Blatt said, “If all the planets line up, all the weather holds true, we would be looking at moving in there in the ’26, actually, start of ’27,” which the board interpreted to mean move‑in would occur after completion and necessary system testing.

Other site work: Facilities staff have been performing floor waxes and painting exterior doors; Harshbarger’s class will produce nine‑inch numbers for doors and windows to aid safety procedures. The district also said tile repairs and abatement work are complete in areas where remediation was required.

Decisions and next steps: No construction contract awards or change orders were presented for board approval at the meeting. The board was informed of bid dates and the projected completion timeline and asked staff to continue updates as the projects advance.