Elementary bleachers to be replaced

The Bigfork Public Schools Board of Trustees approved the replacement of the elementary school’s bleachers during their meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 13.

The 40-year-old out-of-code elementary school bleachers have been slated for replacement. Tutt Construction of Billings has given an estimate of $79,000 for the project. The school will carry out some demolition to keep the project under the $80,000 requirement to go out to bid. The board unanimously approved the project. Plans are to complete the project over summer break.  

The wooden staircases leading from Bigfork Schools lower campus to the garden, football field and transportation department are also in need of improvement. The school will look into a metal replacement, with grated steps to keep snow from building up.  

Another future replacement will be siding and paint where necessary at the elementary school, where wear and tear from students playing ball against the walls and weathering have worn down the building’s exterior.  

The board gave their approval to apply for the 2024 EPA Clean School Bus Grant, which could add a second EV bus to their fleet. Should the school be selected, a $30,000 to $50,000 contribution would be required for the $375,000 vehicle.  

Policy 8460, which outlines the process of naming school facilities, passed its first reading. The policy would allow Turf Club, a subset of the Booster Club, to give naming rights to donors participating in the construction of a new field at Bigfork.  

The board approved an out-of-state field trip for 18 choir students to visit Eastern Washington University’s choir and Silverwood for “Music in the Parks” this spring. Fundraising, expected to begin soon, will cover $6,410 in predicted expenses.  

The next school board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 5 p.m. in the Bigfork High School Library.