Board updated on Lutheran donation, cultural‑resource review and $1.77M bleacher plan

A staff member (S4) briefed the Elma School District board on facilities activity that includes an expected property donation from a Lutheran church, a cultural‑resource review tied to utility trenching, and plans to order covered bleachers for 2027. S4 said the donor’s bylaws require the gift be directed through a regional Lutheran organization before the district can accept it, a step that will delay final title work. "They are moving forward in donating to the greater regional Lutheran church organization who will end up making the donation to the school district," S4 said.

S4 also told the board the planned conduit, sewer and utility installation will dig deeper than 18 inches in a small channel and that archaeologists and state reviewers are determining whether additional inspection is required: "Because it's really right on the line because, we are digging deeper than 18 inches to lay in the sewer, water, and electricity." Finally, S4 reported the district met with Southern Bleacher on design and estimated the 2027 construction cost for covered stands at about $1,770,000; staff said they are close to a deposit authorization and a community announcement once contracts are confirmed.