Board approves carpet replacement at Emporia Middle and High; middle‑school track/field renovation presented as first read

The Emporia Board of Education approved replacement of remaining classroom and office carpet at Emporia Middle School and Emporia High School and received a first read on a proposed renovation of the middle‑school track and field.

Director of Maintenance and Grounds Corey Nicollet summarized district capital projects and said many deferred maintenance items have been addressed. For carpet, Nicollet recommended replacing classrooms and offices at the middle school and high school (excluding auditorium and libraries this summer). He presented district estimates: Emporia Middle School classrooms and offices at $345,037.03 and Emporia High School classrooms and offices at $434,278.44. A board member moved to approve replacement of the remaining carpet at both schools as submitted; the motion passed 6–0.

Assistant Superintendent of Business Operations Pam Strandafale introduced a first read on renovation options for the Emporia Middle School track and field. Strandafale and athletic and school leaders described safety, accessibility and usage problems: extensive cracks in the existing track surface, drainage issues on the grass field, lack of permanent seating and restrooms, limited secure access, absence of field lighting and a scattered throwing area that requires students to cross a street. Middle‑school athletic director Adrienne (last name not specified in the transcript) and Beau (athletic staff) described impacts on practices, scheduling conflicts with the high‑school turf and safety concerns for throwers forced to cross the street to use an off‑site throwing area.

Strandafale said the district would fund the project from capital outlay and provided a high‑level balance; she noted the capital outlay levy and the need to avoid depleting reserves. Consultants from ATG Sports (Joe Genito and Kansas representative TJ Hallis) presented a full renovation option including new turf, a rebuilt track on a stable subgrade, improved throwing areas, restroom/concession structure, perimeter fencing, lighting and a drop‑off loop. ATG proposed phased scheduling that could allow the field and track to be ready for fall use if construction began in late May/early June. The firm provided a lump‑sum option and said contract pricing could be locked.

Strandafale emphasized the board will need to weigh this project against other capital priorities (elementary playgrounds and other maintenance); no vote was taken on the track and field project at this meeting.