High School Closer To Completion

Classes Set To Begin In New Building On Aug. 20

LINCOLN — The new Lincoln High School will be completed and ready to move into the first of August, according to Bob Huckleberry, project manager of Nabholz Construction Service.

Huckleberry told school administrators and the Lincoln School Board on April 16 that he would be able to turn the keys over to them by July 31.

The school is closer to being finished with utilities in, classrooms closed in and a first coat of paint, according to Huckleberry.

Gym work will take longer to complete with it closed up sometime in May.

“The gym floor can’t be started until mid June,” Huckleberry said.

The floor has to be done and fixed bleacher seating, which will be done. The ceiling won’t be closed until more work is done in the gym.

“Some mechanical and electrical is ongoing,” Huckleberry said. “We’re basically down to pouring sidewalks and curbs with asphalt and seeding still needing to be done.”

He suggested a French drain be added on the south end of the ball field.

“You might have a water problem without it,” he said.

Classes are scheduled to begin on Aug. 20, according to the district calendar approved by the board.

A brief discussion about when to move into the building resulted in Dax Moreton, board vice-president, stating, “I recommend no moving in until the punch list is done.”

Superintendent Dr. Frank Holman agreed.

Holman said high school teachers are wanting to tour the building and suggested the board join them sometime next month.

Board President Connie Meyer asked Holman if he had heard from the Arkansas Highway Department about the request for either a caution light, a turn lane or a reduction in speed limit, which currently is 55 mph where the facility is located on U.S. 62.

Board members agreed the speed limit must be lowered.

Holman said he was told a request had to come also from the mayor and city manager, so he had turned it over to them.

Hunton reported road work on the south side of the building was “looking good” and should be completed this summer.

Holman said the safe room would not be done by the time school starts.

The goal is to have it finished by October or November. A blocked off area with a fence will surround the construction area to keep students safe, according to Huckleberry.

Holman said the grant received by the district gives three years to complete the project but it will be done this year.

It was announced school graduation will be May 24 at 8 p.m. at the gym. A Baccalaureate Service is scheduled for May 20 at 2 p.m., with the last day for students on May 21 if no other school days are missed.

The next school board meeting will be May 21 at 6 p.m. at the school administration building on the Lincoln square.