Bids Approved On Athletic Complex

The Van ISD Board of Trustees recently approved bids on the new athletic complex which is beginning construction. Escalating costs of construction has had a major impact on project budgets.

School officials said that steel has increased by 34 percent and the cost of concrete and asphalt has increased by approximately 75 percent since the bids for paving on the new middle school project were taken.

The bid for the athletic complex including all facilities, paving, and sidewalk areas was $13.5 million. Following a total review of all bids by the architect, Jackson Construction, the Board of Trustees, Facilities Director David Goff and Superintendent Joddie Witte, it was recommended that the board approve bids totaling $5.3 million.

This will cover the cost of all core facilities for the new stadium as originally planned.

"Even with the tremendous escalating cost of construction, we are very fortunate to be able to build all facilities as approved by district voters in May 2006," said Witte.

Witte said that the new middle school and the science center at the high school are complete. The new cafetorium at the high school and the renovations at J.E. Rhodes Elementary will also be completed in time to open school on September 2.

"The additions to the junior high school are under contract and in the process of construction. The new classroom addition to Van Intermediate is also under contract and in the process of construction. These facilities will be completed in the fall of 2009," said Witte.

The final and last project of the $37.8 million bond issue approved by district voters is the athletic complex. This includes relocating the softball field, new tennis courts, and new football stadium.

The bids approved by the board for the football stadium includes an artificial turf, an eight lane track, new bleachers (3,693 seating capacity on the home side with seating for 1,800 on the visitors side), new press box with ADA required elevator, a new lighting system, entry and exit driveway and improved parking lot on the home side.

The concession stands, restrooms, and a field house will be bid at a later date.

"Some good news on the bid was the turf, track, bleachers, and lighting came in slightly under the estimated budget," said Goff.

"Remaining parking lots will be on a grass base and the interior of the field house may need to be completed by district staff," said Goff.

The football stadium is expected to be completed for the opening of the football season in September 2009 and the addition to the junior high which includes a new gym is expected to be completed in time for the 2009 basketball season.