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Board OKs asbestos abatement authorization and hears proposal for 7–9 junior high football league
Summary
Trustees were asked to authorize up to $140,000 for asbestos‑abatement projects to meet a reimbursement deadline under a Clean Classroom for Kids program and reviewed a proposal to form a 7–9 junior high football model to preserve local competition and player development; the board approved abatement funding as part of the consent agenda and directed committees to finalize program logistics for athletics.
Facilities committee chair Mr. Clauss told the board that several asbestos‑abatement projects need to proceed this summer to meet the Clean Classroom for Kids program requirement that projects be completed and invoiced by September for reimbursement.
Mr. Clauss asked the board to authorize roughly $140,000 to cover an estimated $120,000‑plus in project costs plus a contingency for any unforeseen work. He said the county has approved reimbursements and that the district expects to be reimbursed for two‑thirds of eligible costs under the program.
"It's about $120,000 and some change and then we're asking for $140,000," Mr. Clauss said, explaining the extra amount is a buffer for uncovered conditions and unused funds will be returned.
The facilities report also covered additional infrastructure needs the budget team flagged earlier: a boiler replacement (~$140,000), roof projects (estimates ranging from $100,000 to $400,000 depending on scope), and a roughly $300,000 elevator upgrade. Lead in sinks at Challenger Middle School was noted and replacement work had been completed, the committee reported.
The board approved the related facilities projects as part of the consent agenda. Committee members emphasized using formal construction‑services contract forms to protect the district in upcoming procurement steps.
Separately, the board heard a proposal to move to a combined junior high football model (grades 7–9) presented by Coach Lions and the facilities committee. The proposal responds to regional changes in which fewer schools field a traditional junior varsity program; the proposed model aims to reduce travel costs, retain ninth graders who otherwise might forgo participation, and build a stronger pipeline into varsity teams.
Coach Lions explained the model would allow ninth graders to play in a less intimidating environment and that equipment would largely be repurposed from existing stock rather than purchased new. He also said that if a ninth grader is moved up to varsity, that player would not be allowed to return to the junior high team. Logistics such as practice times, bus arrangements on a need‑by‑need basis, and where junior‑high games would be played remain to be finalized.
The board directed the facilities and athletics staff to continue planning and return with implementation details, including transportation and facility scheduling.
Next steps: the district will move forward with abatement contracting and invoicing to meet reimbursement deadlines and the athletics staff will work with coaches and neighboring districts to finalize schedules and operational details for a 7–9 junior high football league.
