Board gets updates on stadium, East CLC track, lighting and Kenmore rebuild; demolition to follow new construction

District staff told the board that several capital projects are moving forward, including work at Bookdale Athletic Stadium, an upgrade of East CLC’s track and a multi-year plan for replacement school construction at the Kenmore site.

The district posted a request for qualifications for architectural services this week for a new concession stand and press box at Bookdale; staff said an architect selection could go to the board for approval in late February or early March and construction could begin in late spring or early summer.

At East CLC, the board heard about three prioritized projects: an LED lighting retrofit (interior and exterior) for energy conservation, exterior masonry repairs and an upgrade to the stadium’s track surface. Staff said the district has commissioned an energy audit and is pursuing federal grant support to offset LED conversion costs. Masonry repairs will be subject to a contract award presented to the board; administrators said they will explore opportunities for construction-pathway students to participate in the work.

The east track upgrade will be built in phases. The district received a $100,000 grant from the Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation and will match that amount; staff said the first phase will be paving and striping an asphalt surface for easier year-to-year use, with a future phase to add an all-weather synthetic surface if and when funding allows. New bleachers and stadium-ground improvements are also planned.

On the Kenmore project (Piper and Miller South consolidation/new building), the board was told that asbestos abatement and demolition of the old Kenmore High School are slated to begin after board approval this evening, with demolition expected by late May or early June and design work for the new building continuing through the year. New construction is projected to begin in early 2026. Administration said old buildings on the site would be demolished after students move into the new facility so they do not remain as vacant, blighted structures.

Board members asked about lifecycle and maintenance trade-offs for an asphalt vs. all-weather track surface; staff said asphalt is the necessary first step and requires only routine maintenance for approximately five years, while the synthetic surfacing would be a later, higher-cost phase. Members also asked whether buildings left vacant after consolidation would be promptly removed; staff reiterated plans and budget intention to demolish obsolete buildings, noting the district is working with the city and Joint Board of Review on timing.

Administration said they are coordinating RFQs, grant applications and contractor selection and will return to the board with contract awards and further schedules as projects advance.