Superintendent reports high-school progress, flags environmental assessment could take up to a year

The superintendent briefed the board on construction and related reviews: "If you've had the privilege of driving over by the high school, progress is occurring. Parking lots will be paved on Thursday of this week," he said, and added that replacement water and sewer lines beyond the original scope must be moved.

On timelines he said the environmental assessment was the principal outstanding item and gave a range: "Optimistically, 45 days. Pessimistically, it could take up to a year." Trustees asked questions about environmental clearance and staff noted the appraisal work must be completed by the Corps of Engineers for a longer lease arrangement; staff are pursuing an interim five-year lease to allow work to proceed while longer-term requirements are finalized.