Work under way on new field house

They're ready to raise the roof on the new field house at Nevada High School. The project is on schedule and roof trusses should be up Friday according to Christie Peterson, assistant superintendent.

"The foundation is in and the project is on track," Peterson said. "Mr. Erwin reports there have been no rain delays and the construction has progressed well."

The new field house should be mostly completed by Aug. 22 with just minor items to finish off. So far the district has paid about $143,912 of the $396,500 total price.

The board voted to spend up to $32,265 on lockers for the facility. Originally the lockers were going to be paid for by the football boosters; but a change in plans has them spending $35,000 on custom trophy cases and a video projection system for the facility instead.

"The cost of the lockers was not part of the original bid because the boosters said they would buy them," Peterson said. "The plans changed and they are spending the money on custom trophy cases and a state-of-the-art video projection system."

The board also voted to add two staff positions at Bryan Elementary to take advantage of A+ funds that the district would lose if not used.

"We have $84,000 that we would lose if it is not used," Stephens said.

The board increased mileage reimbursement for employees from 35 cents a mile to 45 cents a mile.

"It just makes sense to me with the price of gas we should do this," Dr. Warren Lovinger said.

In other business the board:

* Approved setting a tax rate hearing for Wednesday, Aug. 13 at 7 p.m. during the regular board meeting.

* Approved amending the Nevada Middle School handbook to codify penalties for tardies.

* Approved budget amendments that would increase the district's project balance deficit to $709,176.