Pine Bluff district reports $49.4 million spent on new high school; phased turnovers expected beginning February 2026

The Pine Bluff School District reported steady progress on its new high school and arena project, with $49,443,348 spent on the high school portion between September 2023 and November 2025, Superintendent Barber told the board.

Construction personnel presented drone and interior footage showing finished precast bleachers, much of the roofing and classroom windows installed, HVAC units set, and ongoing work on decking and concourse concrete. The presentation highlighted the hospitality suite location, the bridge connection between the arena and the main building, and emerging catwalk and seating-area framing.

Board members asked about timing; the district and construction team said the project remains on track for phased turnovers beginning in February 2026, with the CTE building (referred to as Building G) likely to be turned over first and other areas following in stages to allow occupants to move in as sections are ready.

District staff also said they are finalizing audio-visual and scoreboard packages for the stadium and coordinating power and gas hookups for the east side of the campus to enable heating and limited power before month’s end. No changes to the project budget were reported during the update.

The board did not take additional action on the construction update during the meeting; staff said further status reports and phased turnover plans will be shared as steps are completed.