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Southeast Polk board hears progress reports on transportation hub, junior-high secure entry and district playground upgrades
Summary
Facilities staff told the board that the baseball/softball complex is nearly complete, Turner Construction is advancing the transportation building site work, and the junior-high secure-entry/commons renovation carries an estimated $7.5 million all-in budget; playground ADA upgrades are planned through 2027.
Board members received a broad facilities update detailing multiple capital projects under way and planned upgrades across district campuses.
The facilities presenter told the board the baseball and softball complex project is "substantially complete" with some remaining drainage and restoration punch-list work. On the transportation project, the presenter said Turner Construction is the construction manager at risk and that crews have begun sewer installation, pavement replacement and site grading; the presenter noted weather has been a factor, referencing recent heavy rain.
On the junior high secure entry and commons renovation, staff reported OPN is the architect and the project carries an approximately $7.5 million all-in budget: "that's right at about 7 and a half million for the total all in budget on that," the presenter said. The board approved Hansen Company as the construction manager at risk (CMAR) earlier in the meeting and staff said they will kickoff cost-estimating and value-engineering work with Hansen and OPN.
Staff also updated the board on progress toward selecting a site for a new elementary school (No. 9) and said design work and programming continue in anticipation of formal site selection and onboarding of contractors. Playground improvements were highlighted: staff said they will add impact matting beneath Gaga ball pits, improve ADA access and complete multiple phase-1 upgrades this summer, with a target of broader playground ADA work completed by August 2027.
Nut graf: The district’s facilities report signaled steady progress on several capital projects — many on schedule and under budget — while advancing accessibility and safety upgrades intended to bring older campuses closer to newer facilities’ standards.
Board members asked about specifics including restriping and handicap parking, contractor performance on window-film installations and how the district will prioritize long-term facility needs. Staff said the district is moving from reactive maintenance toward a proactive, prioritized facility plan, using a combination of existing categorical and general-fund dollars to address critical needs.
The facilities presentation did not require additional board action beyond previously approved motions; staff will return with updates as projects proceed and as site-selection decisions for the new elementary move forward.
