Board hears progress on Etheridge daycare remodel and a planned bid to repair E.O. Kaufman gym
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Summary
Administrators reported progress on converting two buildings at Etheridge into classroom space for pre-K and kindergarten, and said engineering inspections found structural issues at E.O. Kaufman gym that will require a public bid expected to open Feb. 19 and extensive repairs including installation of multiple beams.
District facilities staff updated the board on two facility priorities: remodeling acquired buildings adjacent to Etheridge for daycare/classroom use and pursuing repairs to structural issues identified at the E.O. Kaufman gymnasium.
Project staff said underground boring to connect internet, intercom and fire-panel wiring is complete, demo work is under way in the block building and asbestos testing for flooring has been submitted. The block building will house two full-size classrooms with restrooms; the larger metal building is being opened up to create roughly five classrooms intended primarily for pre‑K and kindergarten. "Our goal is to have all the work completed by the start of school in the fall," administration said.
On the E.O. Kaufman gymnasium, the board heard that a second engineering review (OLG) identified structural issues similar to those previously addressed in restrooms; the firm prepared plans and the administration plans to issue bids across the Mid‑State area with a bid opening on Feb. 19. "We're gonna have to put 18 beams in the gymnasium area," the presentation said, noting that the work will be extensive and include floor replacement and plumbing reconfiguration.
Board members pressed on timing, teacher access to new rooms before August and whether maintenance capacity will allow both routine and major projects; administration said they are balancing in‑house work with subcontracting where necessary and will bring any major budget or schedule changes back to the board.
The board asked for advance notice to ensure teachers have time to move and prepare classrooms; administration committed to consulting principals and teachers as the schedule firms up.