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Referendum construction updates: Preble auditorium opening, West auditorium finishes and stadium work continuing
Summary
District facilities staff updated the board on the status of referendum-funded construction, naming the Preble auditorium opening later in January, ongoing Preble classroom and commons furnishing work, West auditorium punch-list items and continuing stadium relocation negotiations.
District operations staff provided an update on ongoing referendum-funded construction projects at the Jan. 13 work session, including an upcoming musical in the new Preble auditorium, finishing work on classroom additions and continuing negotiations related to the district stadium.
Why it matters: taxpayers and families who approved referendums want progress and turnover schedules; projects affect school operations and schedules for the spring semester.
Project highlights
Preble Auditorium and Classroom/Commons: staff said the first production in the renovated Preble auditorium will be staged Jan. 23—6. The Preble classroom and commons addition was described as nearing turnover this week; district staff said furnishings were delayed and temporary furniture would be installed starting Jan. 17 so spaces could be used for the semester starting Jan. 20. Furnishings were expected to arrive the week of Jan. 20, with final implementation in early February.
West Auditorium: staff reported West High School held a choir performance on Jan. 8 and that the auditorium remains in use while crews complete stage-light hoist upgrades and punch-list items.
Stadium and other 2022 referendum items: staff said stadium work remains active but the district is still working through an agreement related to gear relocation; weather likely pushes parts of that work into spring. Other 2022 projects in design and slated for spring bid included HVAC work at Howe Sullivan and John Dewey, interior renovations at Franklin and Southwest (gyms/auditoriums), an ASB distribution addition at Franklin and a roof at East High School. The Washington roof project approved at the prior board meeting is scheduled for summer implementation.
2024 project update
District staff also reported four 2024 design projects on track for spring bidding and late-spring/early-summer implementation: addition/renovations at Chapel and Doty elementary schools, a new elementary (name not specified) and renovations at Washington Middle School. Staff said the Washington project was expected to complete in the 2025-26 school year; other projects will be staged in phases to avoid disrupting occupied classrooms.
Board comment
Board members praised the work and encouraged continued community engagement and communication about completed improvements.
