District says track construction is behind schedule; varsity events moved while contractors finish work

District staff told the Anthony Board of Education on Aug. 7 that ongoing work on the high-school track and adjacent soccer field is behind schedule and not safe for athletes yet, prompting the district to move early-season games and scrimmages to alternate sites. What officials said: The superintendent said contractors have installed sod and asphalt and still must add two top layers of surface material for the track; the curing process and installation could take about eight days after the asphalt is down. Because of the remaining work and safety concerns, the district arranged alternate locations for the first weeks of competition rather than put student-athletes on the unfinished surface. Why it matters: The district had anticipated the track would be ready by Aug. 1; officials said weather did not prevent progress but the contractor did not meet the target. The superintendent said there has been “some nice progress” in the last week but emphasized the district will not allow students on the surface until school officials are confident that all safety elements are complete. Supporting details: Officials said they are pressing contractors for clear expectations and that questions about contractual remedies for missed deadlines remain subject to later discussion. The board asked whether the contractor had offered a discount for missed deadlines; the superintendent said those conversations are part of an ongoing process and the priority is completing the work. Next steps: District staff will continue daily communications with contractors and update the board when the track and field are ready for student use.