By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune
LEEDS, Ala.–The Leeds Board of Education took another step with its ongoing plans to renovate the district’s athletic facilities by accepting a bid from Blalock Building Company.
“It was a great process,” said Superintendent John Moore. “Six bidders. I’m very thankful for that. Thankful that they were low.”
Shawn Calma from Lathan Associates, which was responsible for the designs, explained that the originally $8 million budget has gone slightly above, and it includes the reroofing of the Jerry Oxford Gymnasium at approximately $350,000 and adding new turf at the Leeds Middle School. He complimented Blalock, calling it an “excellent” contractor for the project.
In addition to new turf and reroofing, the gym project will involve demolishing part of a wall at the middle school stadium, a concrete plaza, fencing and gates, a 35×35 foot jumbotron, and an athletic facility that will contain locker rooms, public and student athlete bathrooms, concessions, and a pavilion.
The district has received funding from a number of state and local sources to pay for the project, which is expected to start in November.
Additionally, Moore said he is preparing to authorize the sale of bonds and called for a special meeting on Oct. 23 where they will be sold and then ratified by the board.
In his comments, Moore said Director of Student Services and Personnel Amy Terry is working on writing grants to be used for special education services.
In other business the board:
- Approved a trip to Disney World for the Leeds High School marching band,
- Accepted a $175,000 bid for adaptive playground preparation and equipment at Leeds Elementary School and
- Adopted its policies regarding taking pictures (5.92) and teachers bill of rights (6.96) as required by state law.
Meetings are held at the Leeds Board of Education Building located on 1517 Hurst Avenue.
Nathan Prewett can be reached at nthomasp6@gmail.com.