Gravette construction update: footings and slab scheduled; board approves six-classroom addition

Construction supervisor Austin Lee told the board the site building pad work began before Christmas, that footings were about 75% complete and that slab preparation would begin the following week with a slab pour expected by the end of the month. Lee said plumbing rough-in and water meter installation had passed inspection and that structural steel delivery was scheduled for the week of Feb. 23.

During the meeting the board approved a proposal to furnish a six-classroom addition to Gravette High School for $84,173.75. District staff said ordering now would allow the vendor to have the units ready for an Aug. 1 move-in. The vendor name in the transcript appears as "Losers," and staff noted they had sourced a vendor familiar with the original high-school work to keep finishes consistent.

"We started footings a couple weeks ago... anticipate the slab will be poured by the end of the month. Structural steel is scheduled to be delivered the week of 02/23," Lee said.

Board members asked about drainage tiles and contingencies; staff reported no engineering issues and that drainage/storm-drain installations were at the appropriate depth. The board approved the six-classroom contract by voice vote and directed facilities staff to proceed with procurement and scheduling.