Board directs seating and carpet replacement at Elk River Little Theater by end of 2026

The Elk River School District Board voted to direct the superintendent to renovate the Elk River High School Little Theater with new seats and carpeting to be completed no later than the end of calendar year 2026.

Director Steinbrecher moved the recommendation: "I recommend the school board to approve carpeting and seats in the Elk River Little Theater to be completed by the end of the calendar year 2026," and another director seconded; the motion passed on a voice vote.

Board discussion focused on scope and timing. Vice Chair Freberg and other directors said they preferred a limited renovation—new seats and carpet—to avoid triggering building-code review that would accompany larger changes. The administration advised the board that adding scope (for example, increasing capacity or other structural work) could trigger code- and ADA-related upgrades and require additional review and expense.

Superintendent Almos and district staff said the work could be timed to minimize school disruption; options discussed included doing the work during summer 2026 or possibly during winter break depending on vendor and supplier timelines. A board member suggested adding small safety upgrades such as stair lighting; administrators indicated they would review such items but recommended keeping the initial scope minimal to avoid more extensive code work.

The motion directs the district to proceed with seating and carpeting and gave administrators some flexibility to address necessary safety items discovered during the project. The board's action is intended to honor prior commitments in the referendum and to preserve the space for community use.