Solanco board approves design contract for high‑school tennis‑court replacement, design expected in 2–3 months

The Solanco School District Board of School Directors on Jan. 6 approved an agreement to hire design and construction‑oversight services for full replacement and renovation of the high‑school tennis courts.

Why it matters: The courts have deteriorated and the district’s administration and board said comprehensive replacement (removal of existing asphalt surfacing and reconstruction) is necessary; the approval starts the design phase and positions the district to seek bids later.

Administrators told the board the proposal covers preparing project specifications, providing bid assistance, construction oversight and project closeout. The administration estimated professional services for the design and oversight at just under $20,000 and confirmed the work is budgeted in the district’s Capital Projects Fund. The presenter said the design portion is expected to be completed in two to three months, after which the district would return to the board with a request to go out to bid. Board members emphasized the value of outside oversight during construction, citing past problems on other athletic projects where insufficient professional oversight led to added cost. Drainage and site excavation were singled out as areas where engineering input may affect final cost and scope.

Board members also discussed the existing perimeter fencing and post foundations; the contract calls for the consultant to analyze the foundations and fencing and recommend whether they can be reused. The administration said the consultant may recommend reuse or replacement based on condition.

The board approved the agreement by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Ending: Administration said they will present the design documents and a proposed bid timeline to the board at a future meeting and that the project is expected to proceed to construction later in the year, subject to bidding and contractor selection.