Board OKs $501,000 replacement of rubberized track at Francis Howell High

The Francis Howell R-III board approved a contract Thursday to replace the rubberized track surface at Francis Howell High School using job-order contracts procured through TIPS; the total cost reported in the meeting was $501,000.

Why it matters: the athletic track is a high-use facility for students and community events; the board's decision will allow the district to replace a surface that staff said had been resprayed three times since the original installation.

During the item the board asked about the expected lifespan and warranty. District staff said typical life expectancy for a rubberized track surface is about 25 to 30 years; the district noted the existing surface had been sprayed multiple times and the original installation dated to about 1998. Staff said the recommended system offered a standard five-year warranty and that extended warranties are available for purchase.

Board members asked about higher-end track systems (post-tension concrete) used at elite facilities; staff said those systems can reach about 30 years but cost substantially more'on the order of $1 million to $1.5 million'because of the more durable base. The district said replacement is needed because the current surface had reached the end of feasible resurfacing cycles and had begun to create safety and performance concerns.

The motion to approve use of job order contracts (TIPS) and to award the project was moved and seconded; the board carried the motion by voice vote.

Ending: Staff said work will proceed under the approved contract and the district will inspect the base and repair subgrade where necessary during the replacement project.