Contractor Tyler Bush outlines progress and delays on Colstrip school auditorium, turf and playground projects

Tyler Bush, the contractor presenting to the Colstrip Public Schools Board of Trustees, told the board the district's auditorium seating has been removed and that seating materials are scheduled to ship Aug. 3 with installation starting Aug. 10. "We've got material ship date of 08/03 with a install starting on 08/10," Bush said, asking the board to consider alternate locations for teacher orientation if the auditorium is not ready.

Bush provided a slide summary of multiple projects across the district, including restroom renovations, auditorium finishes, playground installation at Pine Butte and the new sports complex's turf, track and support buildings. On bathroom work he said demolition and under‑slab rough‑in are complete and carriers have been set; wall finishes will follow once the carriers arrive.

Weather and subsoil issues have affected the sports complex schedule. Bush described failed compaction testing after spring storms and the resulting loss of concrete crews, leaving the post‑tension track and the track surfacing behind schedule. "Our first game is gonna be in question," he said, cautioning the board that while the turf may be complete in the best case, the track surface likely will not be finished in time because concrete must be poured and allowed to cure before the post‑tension surface can be applied.

Bush also reviewed the concessions and storage building renderings and said the Pine Butte playground is essentially installed with one piece of equipment still on order. He flagged widespread "alligatored" pavement in parking lots and asked whether the district wanted pricing for additional asphalt patching while contractors are on site, offering options ranging from seal coat and paint to full subgrade repair.

Board members asked for pricing on seal coat/paint and for targeted tabletop patching in high‑use staff parking rows. On irrigation, Bush said heavy equipment had damaged the sprinkler network in the lower practice field quadrant; crews have capped a main and laid temporary hose while staff work to restore local control valves.

Bush closed by offering to be the single point of contact for complaints and follow up: "If you've seen one of my guys doing something they shouldn't, don't hesitate to let me know," he said. The board thanked him for the update and asked staff to provide the requested pricing and schedule adjustments for upcoming events.

Next steps: Bush will provide cost estimates for targeted paving options and confirm revised schedules for turf and track work; the board will consider alternate locations for scheduled orientations and will monitor readiness for early‑season games.