District update: sinkhole delays siting for new athletic/wrestling facility; elementary projects continue

District staff updated the Ste. Genevieve Co. R-II Board of Education on the PropSP facilities work, reporting that a sinkhole discovered at the preferred site has created a siting challenge for a proposed wrestling/athletic facility.

A staff presenter identified the sinkhole on the edge of the planned building footprint and said the district will meet with construction managers and geotechnical teams to determine next steps. "That's a little snag that we ran into," the presenter said, adding that the issue affects placement rather than the decision to build.

The board heard that architects adjusted the field plans because the initial design left the athletic area too narrow for some football practice uses; staff said hash marks were offset and spacing revised so coaches could run plays in both directions. The concession stand was removed from the new building plan so the district can continue to use the existing concession stand; a new small room was added for a possible future golf simulator.

Staff also showed progress photos and updates for Saint Genevieve Elementary (new front entry frame installed) and the Early Childhood Center (playground and fencing layout under review). The presenter said the team is balancing playground features with classroom furniture needs to remain fiscally responsible.

Board members asked about relocating the building footprint to avoid the sinkhole; staff said the construction manager will provide input at an upcoming Thursday meeting. No final decisions on moving the facility were made at the meeting.