During this week's South Putnam school board meeting, board members and officials got an update on several renovation projections across the district by Fanning Howey and Michael Kinder & Sons (MKS).
The projects, which come with a price tag of about $20 million, include a new fieldhouse at South Putnam Middle/High School, roof replacements across the district, a new weight room and wrestling room and upgrades at the football stadium, as well as the track and field surface at South Putnam High School.
"I am particularly thrilled about the upgrades being made as part of this project. Fanning Howey and MKS have been invaluable partners in the planning and development process. Their dedication and hard work have been evident as they've collaborated with us to bring this vision to life while staying within budget constraints.Though there have been compromises and difficult decisions throughout the project, as is typical with endeavors of this magnitude, we are moving forward with confidence," South Putnam Schools Superintendent Dr. Corey Smith told The Putnam County Post.
Smith said he needs to extend his gratitude to his advisory team for their "unwavering commitment and sacrifices."
"Their input and dedication have been instrumental in guiding us through various aspects of the project's development. I am genuinely excited to witness the culmination of everyone's efforts as we progress through the final phases of this project. Together, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future for our students and community," Smith acknowledged.
Andy Miller, of Fanney Howey, told the board his firm, as well as MKS are "very cognizant of the overall budget" with a goal of making all the pieces of the renovation plan fit.
Officials from Fanning Howey and MKS told the board the fieldhouse location had to be changed from the south end of the current building to the north end. According to the officials, the location change offers "nice advantages and allows a nice entry focal point to the building." Placing the fieldhouse on the south end presented a lot of challenges, according to Fanning Howey and MKS and the decision was made to flip it to the northside to find a better solution. It is anticipated the design phase will be complete in May to June.
In addition to the field house, the board got an update on a new weight room and wrestling room and both facilities will be identical in space to what is currently there.
The pool will also see an upgrade as Fanning Howey and MKS recently wrapped up design on renovations. A major part of the renovations will center around replacing the existing pool pack air handler, which will improve air quality. In addition, replacements will be made to the pool liner.
A high priority item in the upgrades is roof replacements across the district. Officials said the majority of the roofs feature a spray foam and are currently experiencing failures, forcing maintenance crews to chase leaks. Fanney Howey officials said they will see how much they can get done depending on how many dollars are available.
When it comes to the football stadium and the track and field project, MIller said design has been wrapped up and the project is out for bid. The project includes replacing the grass at the football field, a recoating of the track surface and upgrades to the athletic lights and public address system.
Smith showed the board the most recent rendering of the football field and was pleased with how it is coming together.
"We have been continuously refining it over the last few months, and while there may have been additional tweaks before the final approval, I am excited about the progress we've made thus far," Smith said.
Smith said it is evident the project will transform South Putnam's facilities.
"Not only will it enhance learning environments, but it will also create new opportunities for student engagement and participation district-wide. The fieldhouse, track and field updates and new outdoor lighting are just a few of the visual highlights, alongside crucial updates addressing deferred maintenance such as roofing at Central Elementary and the Middle School/High School, as well as pool renovations," Smith said.
