Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Construction on schedule for new complex at PHS

In spite of the weather the new complex at Prescott High School should be finished on schedule.

Jerry Hollensworth, with the architecture firm of Trull and Hollensworth, told the Prescott School Board weather has been a problem for the project, but shouldn't hinder its being done on time.

The biggest problem with the structure happened last summer when construction was delayed because of the rains. However, once the rain ended and the ground dried up, work began and hasn't stopped much since.

Crews worked to get the walls up and a roof on quickly so the interior work could be done. Hollensworth said the inside walls are being painted and the electrical, air conditioning and plumbing have been topped in, with the suspended ceiling ready to be installed as well.

Once the ceiling is in, he said, the light fixtures can be put in and hooked up.

There could be a problem with the grass paved road initially selected for the area in question. Hollensworth said there is 12 inches of stone for sub-base material, but it doesn't bridge or bond with the soil. "I'm worried about water collecting underground. We could have a structural problem with the road."

He said French drains could be installed, but there's nowhere to take the water when it rains.

Additionally, the grass would have to be watered daily to keep it alive, which could require the installation of a sprinkler system. "We'll look at the alternatives," he said, "and stay within the budget. We'll look at a hard surface and be mindful of the ascetics."

The biggest headache is the clay beneath the surface soil. The clay tends to hold water and could ruin the grass road. There is also the problem of expansion and contraction from ambient temperatures.

Hollensworth said he will look into the problem and report to the Board at its March meeting.

The district, he said, can begin talking about components of Phase II of the building program, and look into building a pavilion for outside dining. The pavilion would be where the current Family and Consumer Science building is, as this building will be razed when the new complex is completed.

Hollensworth said the pavilion will be connected to the gym with a covered walkway, be connected to other classrooms as well and be handicap accessible. By the time all construction is done, all buildings should be connected by covered walkways.

The new complex will house the Curley Cub field house, the Family and Consumer Science classrooms, be used as the distance learning lab and have two extra classrooms for future growth.

In other business the Board approved buying a new bus from Ward Bus Co. for $51,000. This will be a 71 passenger bus.

Textbooks were also adopted, though may not be purchased. Under law, school districts must approve textbooks whether the books are bought or not.

The Board approved spending $6,000 for band uniforms this year, and another $6,000 next year.

Contracts for all administrators were also approved.