FHS Renovation Project Hits Some Unexpected Snags

Things had been rolling along really well on the financial side of the Frankfort High School renovation project until recently when workers came across some unexpected issues.

“We did have some things that came up that we just had to address,” said Community Schools of Frankfort Superintendent Don DeWeese. “Some of that had to do with some abatement issues, some masonry and some structural issues and we also ran into a problem with a downspout at Case Arena.”

Those problems cost the district about $100,000 that they were hoping to put into some extras they were wanting. Instead, the district on Tuesday night approved adding exterior lighting, media center drainage and stoops and heat in the basement which will cost about $45,000. That cost could go up or down as those were “soft costs” given to the board by the architect.

That leaves the board with around $15,000 left to spend in case something unexpected comes back up.

DeWeese and board members were disappointed about the problems which arose because the project is drawing to a close and they were hoping to have some extra dollars to spend on possible amenities for the building.

In other news, there will be a special board work session coming up on Tuesday, February 27, in the Community Room at the Frankfort Administration Building on Wabash Avenue.

“It’s time for the board to review our mission, vision goals because we just recently completed one of our goals and that was the 1 to 1 computer at Frankfort High School and that is in place,” said DeWeese.

Since this is a work session, board members will not be allowed to vote on any matter that arise. Also, the public is invited to attend.

DeWeese announced the board will have a special ribbon cutting for the high school project on Tuesday, May 1, at 6:30 p.m. DeWeese said he hopes the public comes out to view the building and take part in the festivities.

DeWeese also announced that February 19 and April 20 will be used as school make-up days due to missed class because of the weather.

The Frankfort High School Auxiliary Gymnasium will be the site of the Scripps Howard Regional Spelling Bee at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 3. DeWeese said there will be two representatives from the Community Schools of Frankfort.

The board also announced that the Frankfort High School Prom will be held Saturday, May 6, in the North Ballroom of the Purdue Memorial Union.

The board also approved the reschedule of the Girl Scouts Lock-In at Green Meadows for April 20 and 21.