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After heated debate, Pocatello board awards Franklin Middle School track as three-lane; six-lane change order proposed then set aside
Summary
Board members debated whether to approve a change order to make Franklin Middle School's replacement track six lanes (estimated $175,000–$200,000 extra) but ultimately voted to award the track bid as presented (three lanes) after public comment from a middle-school coach.
The Pocatello District board voted to award the Franklin Middle School track replacement as presented (a three-lane configuration) after extended discussion over cost, equity and safety.
District staff presented the original bid to replace the track base and install new lanes for about $298,556 and said a contractor estimated a full six-lane replacement would add roughly $175,000–$200,000 in change orders. Administrators told the board they would like a decision by May to keep the project on a schedule that would allow work before next school year.
Board members split on whether to pursue a change order to make the project a full six lanes. Some members argued tree-root damage and “whoops” in lanes make the work urgent and pointed to a SIP surplus of about $586,000; others said the district should weigh competing SIP priorities and consider equity for Alamita and Irving, which received different track configurations in recent renovations.
During public comment, Alama head track coach Jod Diaz told the board that Alama fields about 190 track athletes (33% of her school's enrollment) and that the three-lane practice track has not reduced participation: “We have 190 kids on our track team today... 33% of our student body is on the track team,” she said, urging the board to consider broader school-maintenance needs before reallocating funds.
Board members first moved to award the bid and direct administration to pursue a change order to make it six lanes; that motion was debated. After further discussion and an alternate motion, the board voted to award the track as presented (three-lane). The transcript records votes and at least one named vote (Ray voted to proceed with the three-lane), but it does not provide a full roll-call tally for the final outcome.
The board asked administration to ensure safety measures (lighting, painted crosswalks) and to continue coordinating with coaches and the SIP committee on funding priorities.
