Board authorizes capital projects; bus garage and wrestling-room work highlighted

District facilities staff briefed trustees on a funded package of repairs and improvements, including state-funded bus garage upgrades and a planned remodel of the Star Valley High School wrestling room, and the board authorized the capital projects to go to competitive bid.

Facilities Director Hicks explained that the state-funded bus garage project covers HVAC controls, gas-fired infrared heaters, septic changes for the wash bay, an oil/water separator, fire-suppression sprinkler heads and replacement of fuel pumps. The state has allocated funds and the timeline requires design selection and formal steps; administrators said they expect to present design firms for approval by the June board meeting and to return with construction-ready drawings later this year.

Hicks also reviewed a proposed Second-Floor wrestling-room remodel at Star Valley High, including egress details, sound-dampening and window placement. Staff and coaches met with the architect to refine layouts. Hicks cautioned the board that certain materials — notably steel trusses — have long lead times that could affect schedule and cost. He said staff will proceed with advertising the job and will recommend contracts only after competitive bids are received.

At the meeting trustees approved a 33-item capital list to go out to bid. The list includes roofing work at the middle school, parking-lot resurfacing at Star Valley High, a weight-room remodel at Cokeville High and phased maintenance projects. The board clarified that approval to advertise is not a contract award; each project will return to trustees with bid tabulations and recommendations for final approval.

Why it matters: the bus garage items address state-identified safety and infrastructure needs; the wrestling-room project is a visible investment in student athletics. Trustees emphasized the need to manage timing so construction does not disrupt the school year.

What’s next: staff will advertise the projects, interview design firms as required by the state timeline and return to the board with bids and contract recommendations. Administrators will monitor material lead times and report any changes that would affect cost or schedule.