Board approves Muscatine High School tennis court contract; district pursuing USTA grant

The Muscatine Community School District Board of Directors approved a contract award recommendation for construction of tennis courts at Muscatine High School and reserved approval of any change orders above $25,000 for the board.

The contract recommendation listed $1,082,755 as the construction amount on the meeting agenda; during discussion a board member misstated a larger figure while making a motion. The board recorded approval after a staff presentation described the court design and a possible grant to offset costs.

Chris, a district staff member, described the recommended surfacing as a post‑tensioned concrete system, saying the material and installation approach is designed for long life. “This post‑tensioned concrete … the lifespan on it is significantly longer than asphalt,” Chris said. He explained that the post‑tension system helps control cracking and that a barrier under the overlay prevents the slab from shifting if ground movement occurs.

A board member said the district has pursued a United States Tennis Association grant that could contribute about $200,000, with additional regional funding of $10,000–$20,000 if the application proceeds through vetting. The grant requires that courts be lined for youth tennis and that no pickleball lines be included to meet grant eligibility.

District staff told the board the construction schedule aims for a September 1 completion if work proceeds on schedule; lighting upgrades are not included in this contract and will be pursued separately.

The board recorded a roll-call vote in favor of the contract award during the meeting.