District updates on construction: Howard Elementary groundbreaking, OW and Eastlake projects continue

During the April 8 meeting the board received progress reports on several capital projects across the district, including the Robert E. Howard Elementary School groundbreaking and continuing work at the OW site and Eastlake campus.

Operations staff provided photographs and a construction timeline: masonry work continues on an OW second-floor gym, footings for baseball and softball buildings have been poured, field house underground rough-in continues, and site roads are being rocked; the OW project is moving toward summer milestones. For Eastlake, staff showed photos of demolition at the old Holly Hill Elementary site, replacement of acoustical panels in the rotunda and gym, epoxy restroom flooring repairs and installation of cubbies for lower-grade classrooms. An elevator valve and emergency panel replacements were also scheduled during spring break.

Operations staff clarified that a body of water being dug at Eastlake is a retention pond meant to reduce flooding by holding and slowly releasing storm water, not a recreational lake. A board member asked that the pond be described clearly in public communications to avoid misinformation. Attendees noted state Superintendent Ellen Weaver and other officials attended the Howard Elementary groundbreaking; staff reminded the board that the project includes a $40,000,000 state department contribution for the new facility.

Board members were shown how the Army Corps of Engineers allowed wetland crossings at the OW site by installing large culverts to preserve water flow through wetlands. The operations update did not include action items requiring votes; staff said contractors will return with schedules and additional updates as work progresses.