Facilities Director Updates Board on Referendum Work, Transportation Complex and Stadium Upgrades

James Kullmetsberger, director of facilities, outlined progress and remaining work tied to the district’s recent referendum.

Kullmetsberger said crews completed hallway and tile work, bathroom upgrades at Arlith (Arlet) School, a repaved Truman parking lot and interactive play areas, a new French drain at SAMHSA upper elementary Door 14, and STEM-lab conversions at the middle school. He said the high school’s upstairs HVAC and air-conditioning work is complete and electricians are being scheduled to install a new front-lawn sign pending budget approval.

Looking ahead, Kullmetsberger said Eisenhower School bathroom renovations will likely be bid out rather than completed in‑house and that summer work tied to the referendum will require temporary power shutdowns and phased construction. He described the coming summer as “probably the most tense” due to the scope of HVAC installations and the need for custodial and construction coordination.

Board members and administrators noted that referendum work has freed capital reserve funds and general-fund flexibility to pursue larger projects such as a transportation complex and an Eisenhower parking reconfiguration. Members also discussed stadium improvements — including a more formal entrance with a ticket booth and bathrooms — but said drainage and weather constraints must be resolved before construction.

Kullmetsberger and other administrators thanked operations staff for heavy workloads and long hours managing projects, especially during recent snowstorms.