Parkrose board approves funding to replace high‑school bleachers and repair exterior cladding

The Parkrose SD 3 Board of Education approved funding Dec. 8 to replace both sides of the high‑school bleachers and to repair deteriorating exterior cladding and columns at the high school.

Board members acted after facilities staff outlined safety and moisture problems at the high school and presented four cost options. The board approved the preferred option — replacing both bleacher banks and repairing the cladding and columns — by a voice vote after a motion and second.

Why it matters: facilities staff said the south‑side bleachers failed during basketball season and that replacement parts are obsolete, creating a safety risk for students and the public. The exterior cladding and pole connections were shown in photos to be degrading in places and allowing moisture into the wall assembly, raising long‑term maintenance and cost concerns.

What presenters said: the facilities presenter (identified in the meeting record as Director Lewis) told the board that “the bleachers are about 25 years old” and that parts are no longer manufactured. He presented four price options and recommended replacing both bleacher banks together to avoid repeated future failures. The director said the best combined option would pair bleacher replacement with cladding and column repairs to reduce future risk and operational interruptions.

Funding and procurement: staff recommended using capital Fund 405 resources (construction excise tax and other capital receipts) and amounts from the Thompson Fund (rental revenue) to pay for the work. The presenter described the procurement path as cooperative state agreements that can be used instead of a local RFP for purchases under those contracts.

Board action: Chair Debon Jr. moved the motion; it was seconded and approved by voice vote with no recorded opposition. The motion authorized use of available funding to replace both sides of the high‑school bleachers and to repair exterior cladding and columns, and directed staff to proceed with the procurement and scheduling described in the presentation. Staff estimated bleacher installation could be completed around spring break if the contract is awarded promptly.

Next steps: staff will finalize contracts under the cooperative procurement route, confirm timelines with vendors, and return to the board with scheduling and any final cost adjustments as needed.