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Board discusses intermediate library remodel and small turf soccer field; staff estimate ~$300,000 and ~$80,000
Summary
Administrators presented four library-renovation options, favoring an option that adds one classroom and storage and preserves group space with an estimated cost around $270,000–$300,000 (fund-balance funded); staff also outlined a partner-funded mini turf soccer field with bids near $80,000 and PTO support.
The Merton board discussed a proposed intermediate-school library remodel and a companion turf soccer-field project during its Oct. 27 meeting.
Administration presented four schematic options for the library and said Option 4 struck the best balance: it adds one classroom, increases district storage capacity (about 900 square feet) and brings natural light into the library footprint. The presenter said preliminary cost estimates from a year earlier were about $270,000 and that, after updates, planning should target roughly $300,000; roughly half the cost would be fixtures, furniture and equipment.
"By doing option number 4, it does give us a lot of flexibility. It allows for 1 additional classroom ... and district storage, which is desperately needed as well," the staff presenter said. The administration proposed funding the project from fund balance—similar to how the district previously funded roof work—and targeting construction for summer 2026, pending board direction.
Some board members raised concerns about reducing shelf space and whether an 1,800-square-foot modern library would meet student needs. One board member asked for a clearer 'need statement' and for pros/cons to start from that statement before final design selection.
On athletics infrastructure, staff described a partner-funded mini turf soccer field for the primary school with bids coming in around $80,000 and an initial PTO commitment of roughly $40,000. The presenter said turf typically lasts about 15 years with standard warranties of about 10 years and that the district could include the project in the upcoming budget if the board wishes.
Next steps: administration will collect feedback and return a refined recommendation to the full board in November and aims to present a formal plan for approval in January to permit summer 2026 construction.
