HOT SPRINGS -- The coronavirus pandemic hasn't affected more than $42 million in construction projects now underway in the Lakeside School District, according to Superintendent Shawn Cook.
Cook said the district is aware the pandemic could have an impact on getting supplies in a timely manner, but it is unsure what that impact might be at this point.
The district is also working hard to make use this time to take care of maintenance needs around campus and in the schools.
The nearly $43 million construction project is set to be completed in the 2021-22 school year, he said.
Lakeside School District voters approved a 4-mill increase in May 2018 to fund the construction, which was also eligible for state partnership funds. The district is receiving about $2.6 million under Arkansas' Academic Facilities Partnership Program.
[CORONAVIRUS: Click here for our complete coverage » arkansasonline.com/coronavirus]
"The interest we receive on the bond money will go for items such as furniture, furnishings, equipment and things of that nature," he said.
"Construction is going great so far, and all of our projects will be ready to occupy for the 2021-2022 school year," Cook said.
He said that he is excited that the district is going to be able to provide the campus with some necessary updates. The district has grown by over 1,000 students since 2004, and all of the projects will allow it to accommodate that growth.
"We have tried to build to keep up with our growth. The completion of the projects will make our vision come true," Cook said.
He said that the construction projects would consist of a new junior high building housing grades 7-8; a performing arts center; a new primary cafeteria; a new intermediate cafeteria; remodeling old cafeteria spaces; safety entrances and new office areas at the primary and intermediate schools; a turf field on Malvern Avenue; playground turf areas at the primary, intermediate and middle schools; and new parking areas.
The turf field on Malvern Avenue will be a "regulation-size 100-yard field. It has the ability to host regulation games for both soccer and football.
It will also be used to host many other events. The band will use this facility for practice and competition. We will use this field for many things just like we do our main game field," Cook said.
He said the buildings are currently crowded. The two new cafeterias will provide the space that the district will need to house the students during lunch.
Cook said he believes the community will love the Lakeside Performing Arts Center, specifically the auditorium. Currently, the auditorium seats under 500. The new auditorium will have the capacity to house all of the students from any one building, seating 1,200.
"Our field is ready to use when students return to school. The turf field is finished, and the perimeter fence is currently being completed," he said. "We have received bids for all projects, and we are happy to report all projects have been approved by the school board and are within the budget."
Metro on 04/14/2020