The renovation project is expected to cost $267,390.06 and will be funded from the 2016 Bond Program, according to district officials.
Interim Superintendent Tabitha Branum said improvements to the district’s aging facilities has become a pressing need.
“As demonstrated in both our 2016 and 2021 bonds, we have aging facilities,” Branum said. “Many of our aging facilities are due to water leaks and other infrastructure failures.”
Lake Highlands High’s competition gym serves as the main indoor athletic facility for the school, holding sporting events for the school's volleyball, boys basketball, girls basketball and wrestling teams.
The competition gym floor at Lake Highlands High is in need of renovations after being deemed past its useful life, according to district officials.
“We have four competition gyms in the district at each of our high schools,” Assistant Superintendent Sandra Hayes said. “Right now, the floor at Lake Highlands [High] has become too thin to stand on again.”
Hayes said the life of a wood floor such as the one used at Lake Highlands High depends on how many times it can be sanded and refinished. However, water damage has caused the floor “to buckle at many parts,” making it no longer usable, according to Hayes.
Infrastructure and safety projects for the district, as well as renovation plans for RISD schools, were part of a $694 million proposition that was approved as part of the 2021 bond. A similar $215.71 million proposition was approved during the 2016 RISD bond.
James Watson, RISD's chief executive director of operations, said competition gyms are treated annually to "enhance floor performance."
Construction at Lake Highlands High is scheduled to occur during the summer, with the project slated to be completed by flooring company Z Floor Co., according to district officials.
