New Mercer County elementary advances; athletic facility designs move toward spring bids

District staff and contractors updated the Mercer County Board of Education on construction progress at the new elementary school and on design work for multiple athletic projects.

A district construction representative described exterior and interior progress: brickwork progressing on the north side, roof panels laid across the gymnasium, insulation and cover boards in place over portions of the cafeteria, a recent concrete pour for equipment, and metal ceiling work completed in "area E," identified as the first-grade and storm-shelter area. The representative said stonework around entrances and the cafeteria was nearing completion and that visible progress would continue in the coming weeks.

"The roof is coming around, very quickly," the construction representative said.

Board members also discussed survey and geotechnical work observed at Beau Field, where surveyors and drilling were active. A staff member said the survey and geotechnical report for that site are being handled through Ross' parents (as stated in the transcript). The board did not take formal action on the construction updates at this meeting.

Separately, the superintendent and staff said design work is underway for Trace Creek athletic projects — including tennis courts, softball and baseball parking, track surface, stadium turf design, bleacher layout and locker rooms for soccer and football — and that the design phase will continue for another one to two months before staff compiles a bid package targeted for spring.

No contract awards or bid approvals were recorded in the transcript segment provided.