District says gym renovation nearly complete; students to return in about three weeks

Superintendent Robert Buskirk said the gymnasium infill project and related repairs at the district—s main and elementary gyms are nearly finished and that staff expect students to return in about three weeks. Buskirk told the board that the elementary gym—s wall pads needed replacement and that the district moved the plain pads from the main gym to the elementary gym and has ordered new pads for the main gym. "The discus cage has been replaced," he said, and he praised custodial staff: "the custodians have done a phenomenal job cleaning the building." Why it matters: the renovations affect classroom and athletics space used at the start of the school year, and the board and district staff discussed timing to ensure areas are safe and ready when staff and students arrive. Board members and staff described the remaining work as largely timing issues tied to subcontractor schedules. Buskirk said crews "really just need to finish up some timing things" and expected the final work to require a few days after the last trades complete their tasks. At one point he summarized the schedule: "we've got about 3 weeks still." Board member comments later in the meeting echoed progress reports from the contractor Conger Construction. Board member James Fulham praised Conger Construction and maintenance staff for timely updates and progress, saying their reporting made it easy for board members to stay current on the work and expressing excitement about additional rooms opening for students in coming months. No formal action was required for the update; staff presented progress during the superintendent—s report and the board acknowledged the update with thanks and later public comments. The district will continue to monitor the contractor—s remaining tasks and final cleaning before the new school year begins.