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Marion welcomes new boys basketball coach, outlines summer athletics and facilities projects
Summary
Coach Johnny Williams, hired in June as dean and head boys basketball coach, reported strong summer turnout while the district detailed multiple summer facility projects — track resurfacing, softball fence replacement, Boys & Girls Club renovations for alternative programs, and other repairs — and introduced incoming athletic director Nate Larson.
Coach Johnny Williams, introduced by Superintendent Dr. Lockwood as the district’s newly hired dean and head boys basketball coach, told the school board he began work June 1 and has seen solid participation in summer workouts. “I arrived a couple Fridays ago and began right away on June 1st,” Williams said, and reported “26 28 kids out there participating.”
The presentation framed staffing and capital work together: Superintendent Dr. Lockwood also introduced Nate Larson, who has been transitioning into the athletic director role and will officially begin July 1. Board members praised the hires and said they were encouraged by early communication and engagement with families and coaches.
Director of Operations Mr. Kaylor gave a detailed rundown of summer projects. He said routine work — building cleaning, maintenance and fire-inspection work — is underway, and described several larger projects: renovation of the former Boys & Girls Club into space for the district’s alternative and online programs (about five to six classrooms, a kitchen/mini break area, restrooms and a front office); completion of the new football field and current work to replace the track base with a polyurethane surface; installation of interior track fencing and asphalt between track and fence to improve drainage and safety; and replacement of the MHS softball field fence with a purchase order submitted to R&C Fence.
Kaylor also said the district will repair and resurface tennis courts (crack repair, resurfacing and paint), grind down and replace asphalt at the transportation lot, and is evaluating stadium seating and railing improvements for safety and accessibility. He described one isolated roofing leak during a storm at the Boys & Girls Club conversion that was repaired without major cost or delay.
Board members asked clarifying questions about the track footprint, the asphalt strip between track and fence, and railings in the stands. Mr. Kaylor said the track will remain the same size; the area between track and fence will be asphalted and sloped for drainage to reduce tripping hazards; and railing options are being reviewed for safety reasons.
Board members thanked staff and community supporters. The board’s reading of small, named donations to MHS art (totaling $74,561.79 to date) underscored local support for extracurricular programs.
The board had no formal action tied to the facilities presentation during the meeting; projects and purchase orders noted will proceed through standard procurement and scheduling processes.
