GRAVETTE — In a special meeting on Friday, the Gravette School Board selected Nabholz Construction as construction manager for two upcoming projects.
The Rogers firm has been involved with several other school projects, including construction of the new high school.
Projects being planned include removing the vacant east-west wing of the old high school building and in its place constructing anew wing to join the middle school.
The existing south wing of the old high school, which connects with the new music room, will be retained until additional funds become available.
The other project in the hopper is construction of two ball fields - one for softball, one for baseball - which will be added to the high school campus. The fields are part of the original concept for that facility.
Crafton, Tull and Sparks, a Rogers architectural firm, has been retained to complete design work.
Completion of the projects hinges on voter approval at a special election which is scheduled Feb. 14.
No additional millage will be required, but voter approval is necessary before existing district bonds can be reinvested/extended.
The present millage rate, 37.2 mills, will not change.
More than $825,000 in the district building fund,$360,000 in proceeds from a 2009 bond and the infusion of a $1-million refund from the state will finance the projects. A second lien bond could be issued if necessary.
Total cost of the projectsis estimated at about $4-million.
All members of the board, with the exception of Jack Skillett, were present at the special noon meeting which lasted about one-half hour. Thevote to approve Nabholz was unanimous.
Additional information about the special election and design information about the new building and fields will be published when available.
News, Pages 1 on 01/04/2012