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Board approves $152,000 weight‑room equipment purchase; boosters pledge $30,000
Summary
The board approved a contract to outfit a new high‑school weight room with PowerLift equipment, with fundraising and capital reserves expected to cover the $152,000 price tag; administration said the cardio area will be considered separately.
The Galesburg CUSD 205 Board of Education voted to approve purchase of new weight‑room equipment from vendor PowerLift to outfit space in the district’s new Waikol expansion, using a mix of pledged booster funds and district capital reserves.
Athletics and facilities presenter Mr. Young told the board the current weight room had outdated and worn equipment and that the PowerLift proposal would replace racks, bars and storage and expand capacity: "These include many extras on the equipment, bands which are important for our younger students," he said, describing safety and durability features. The quoted vendor plan showed an estimated total price of about $152,000 for the free‑weight package; the Galesburg Athletic Booster Club pledged $30,000 toward the purchase. Administration said $75,000 in capital‑project funds and other district reserves are also available to cover remaining costs if fundraising falls short.
The approved package includes eight combo power racks (16 lifting stations), 16 benches, 384 urethane bumper plates, safety squat bars, power blocks (adjustable dumbbells) and storage. Delivery and installation were quoted at 18–20 weeks; the vendor provides a lifetime warranty on frame components and a five‑year warranty on moving parts.
Board members asked about long‑term maintenance and warranties. Mr. Young said annual capital‑project funds would cover ongoing maintenance and pointed to the equipment’s heavy‑duty construction as a reason to expect a longer service life than the district’s current, largely aged machines.
Administration said the cardio equipment (treadmills, ellipticals, bikes) is a separate funding conversation and that local partners — including OSF and the YMCA — were being approached for possible donations or matching support. The board approved the motion to purchase following those presentations; administration said it will return with a separate plan for cardio equipment and noted that the gym spaces are expected to be heavily used from early morning to evening.
Ending: Installation timeline and fundraising updates will be reported to the board as the district secures vendor scheduling and contributions.
