High school parking lot pour, gym ceiling and HVAC work progressing; district warns weather could delay opening

District facilities staff updated the board on bond construction at Ralston High School and across the district, reporting steady progress on the high school's east approach parking apron, gym ceiling work, rooftop HVAC units and interior shops.

Facilities staff said crews increased on‑site labor to accelerate concrete work for the high school student parking lot and expected to complete the approach and apron pours, weather permitting. The district hopes staff can use the lot beginning with in‑service on Aug. 1 and that students will be able to use it by the first day of classes on Aug. 11. Speakers warned heavy rain or a “big washout” could push completion dates later.

The update noted several project milestones: the gym ceiling painting is nearly complete and many lights are installed; rooftop HVAC units are placed and electrical/ductwork connections are underway; new chillers are scheduled to arrive in August with system shutdowns planned for October; auto and wood shops are in late‑stage renovation with speakers and lighting being installed; and parking‑lot light poles were being wired. Facilities staff said some work will be phased to limit disruption to students and staff and that a social‑media/video orientation and multi‑language instructions will be prepared so families learn new drop‑off flows.

At the middle school, sound systems and mobile assistive audio were near completion and concrete work was finished save for striping/paint. Wildwood and Mockingbird sites received targeted concrete repairs and circulation adjustments to improve traffic flow. Staff also reported miscellaneous activity fund purchases (FFA jackets, SkillsUSA travel) and noted the bond fund made a scheduled payment — verified by the business office — for $1,700,000.

Facilities staff said they are tracking contractor warranties and mixture changes after observing some durability issues on prior concrete pours in the metro area; they plan to use a different concrete mix for sections subject to heavy thaw/freeze and salt exposure and will consider periodic surface treatments in high‑wear areas. The presentation stressed that concrete curing and surface finishing require dry weather and precise timing of finishing crews.

Board members asked for outreach materials to help parents and drivers adjust to the new lot design; facilities staff said they will produce student and parent guidance, including drone footage and multilingual materials. The update was part of the regular bond project report in the meeting's facilities agenda section.