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Board hears student praise for new EMS turf; approves $79,411 change order for middle‑school track concession work
Summary
Students and staff showcased the new Emporia Middle School turf, track and related facilities; the board approved a $79,411.22 change order to ATG Ram Industries LLC to cover unanticipated permitting, plumbing, and conduit work needed to complete the concession and restroom building.
The Emporia Board of Education on Sept. 24 received an update on the new Emporia Middle School (EMS) turf and track facility and approved a change order to finish concessions and related site work.
Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Matt Baumwort and EMS students described what they said were immediate benefits of the new surface: smoother passing, clearer field lines, improved safety and the addition of onsite restrooms and concessions. "We feel important and valued," one student said about having the new facilities.
Project status: presenters said much of the work is complete. Security fencing was scheduled for installation next week, the parking lot will be paved next Wednesday, bleachers are in place, and the press box remains one of the final work items. PE and athletic programs are expected to begin using the field immediately for practices and games.
Change order details: the board approved a change order of $79,411.22 for ATG Ram Industries LLC to be paid from the track fund. District and contractor speakers attributed the increase to several unforeseen items: additional stamped drawings and engineering reviews required by the City of Emporia, extended plumbing runs that required boring to a water source on the north side of 204 Fourth Street, extra conduit and power work with Evergy to support future sound and security systems, and permit costs that exceeded the typical estimate.
Contractor representatives said the city required fully stamped drawings rather than preliminary plans, which increased consultant and permit costs. One project speaker said the district's standard estimate had been roughly $10,000 per permit in past projects, but this job required more extensive permitting.
Board action: a motion to approve the $79,411.22 change order from ATG Ram Industries LLC passed unanimously, 7–0.
Timeline and next steps: presenters said substantial completion of most remaining items was expected by the end of the week beginning Oct. 1, with minor punch‑list items to be addressed during a final walkthrough.
Ending: Trustees thanked staff, students and community partners and encouraged the public to attend upcoming home games to see the new field in use.
