Tri-County Citizen

Chesaning Union Schools plan summer building improvements




CHESANING – During the Monday, May 9 meeting of the Chesaning Union Schools Board of Education, facilities/transportation director Brian Gross talked about some of the enhancements planned for this year’s summer break.

At Big Rock Elementary School, he is working with OHM Advisors, engineering consultants for suggestions on something else to add to the playground on the west side of the building.

Gross advised the school board that due to a shortage of contractors, they will not be able to completely renovate the bathrooms at Big Rock. However, they will redo the urinals and their hangers. He is open to reconsidering the project if there’s a contractor who would be willing to work when the schools are on break.

Gross announced that the Chesaning Middle School auditorium will finally have the new theatre lighting system installed this summer. He turned over the discussion to Chesaning Area Performing Arts (CAPA) advisor Brett Russell, who has long awaited the new lighting system. Russell explained to the school board that they brought in an electrical contractor to terminate the high voltage power feed and run the low voltage wire for the new system. “We’re going to run with it after June,” Russell said. He explained that CAPA’s summer production is outside, so that shouldn’t be a problem.

Before the school board approved the auditorium lighting project, treasurer Scott Kohagen said, “We got multiple quotes. A local contractor gave us a very reasonable bid.”

Gross informed the school board that he wants to try to crack seal the parking lots at the schools; but the prices this year are surprisingly high.

OHM Advisors’ consultants is working on the challenges associated with the Chesaning Middle School backup power generator. Gross said he’s not sure what happened and described how the middle school is a three-phase system, whereas Big Rock is a two-phase system.

As far as the swimming pool at Chesaning Middle School, he continues to monitor the basement.

“I’m trying to get work done on the tennis courts, but it’s not going to be this year,” Gross said. He explained that he couldn’t get a contractor to work on them this year.

Athletic Director Jason Hemgesberg explained that the team’s courts are good for next year (this fall). But after that, they really need some work.

Gross wrapped up his report saying, “We’re going to add some pickle ball courts.”