The Atlantic School District’s Board of Education, Wednesday evening, approved the construction of a High School Gym-to Multipurpose Room-Walkway, with a stipulation that two questions be answered within two days before any work is authorized. One was with regard to how the project is paid for.

Superintendent Steve Barber said the Little Trojan Wrestlers would commit $15,000 toward the project. Iron Specialties..experts in those types of structures, would contribute additional volunteer time to reduce the costs associated with labor. Barber said “there’s other potential partners in finalizing this project.” It would cost the district anywhere from $20,000 to $35,000 for the walkway to be built.

Board member Dr. Keith Swanson wanted to make sure the district’s lawyer signed-off on that method of payment before work begins. Using volunteer time Barber said, would save the district costs. Furthermore, all volunteers would have to undergo a background check and Iron Specialties would oversee the work. Board President Josh McLaren asked also, what would happen if the project scope exceeded the expected cost, or $55,000.

Barber said he would do more research on the numbers and consult with the appropriate entities to make sure the project costs are in-line, and that work can begin soon. He will contact McLaren and the other board members later this week with the answers to their questions. He said also, the project is considered “Public Improvements,” not goods and services, therefore going out for bids is not required according to the code and policies.

In other business, Superintendent Barber said “After multiple attempts to resolve the Catwalk issue (At the Middle School),” he has turned over the claim to the district’s insurance company, to get it to a point where the catwalk will be functional for the winter months. The structure was hit earlier this summer by a truck, and sustained severe damage to an I-beam.