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HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – From new sound equipment to more parking, Assistant Superintendent Jason Wilson presented multiple change orders to the school board during the Nov. 6 meeting that will utilize remaining funds from the Christian County High School construction budget. After the high school opened for the year, just over $2 million remained in the contingency as the CCPS Board of Education continues to invest in additions.
Wilson told the board that the need for more parking at CCHS was evident almost immediately into the school year, and he has been working with the architects and contractors to come up with the most cost-effective solution.
The expansion will create around 38 additional parking spots, bringing the total number of available spots to just under 100 to “alleviate the pressure” of parking during the school day. An additional sidewalk will also be installed to connect the student parking lot to the bus parking lot. It was discussed that the expansion will not only help with day-to-day traffic but will also be effective as overflow parking for athletics and events.
Change orders require additional expenditures from the board that were not initially included in the approved budget. The following expenses will be required to expand the lot and create new curbing and sidewalks and were approved by the board unanimously.
- $52,930 for the sidewalk, curb and gutter work.
- $35,000 for topsoil stripping and excavation/dirt work.
- $88,756 for ashpalt paving
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$77,000 sound upgrade at Stadium of Champions
The board will further use the remaining contingency fund to invest in a major sound upgrade at the Stadium of Champions. A significant renovation of the stadium was included in the budget for CCHS construction with new artificial turf and a new track installed ahead of football season.
Wilson told the board that the current sound system at the stadium was in need of repair due to regular wear and tear. He proposed two plans, one of which would repair and restore the current equipment, and another that would completely replace and upgrade it.
Improving the system would not only improve sound quality during games but would be integral during commencement ceremonies that are held at the stadium, according to Superintendent Chris Bentzel. This would not impact marching band performances, as they utilize their own sound equipment.
The current sound system was installed in 2016 and potentially has a few more years of use before it would reach the end of its lifespan. The overhaul would cost $77,000 while an upgrade would be only $6,000.
Issues with current sound system at stadium
“I’ve never known the speaker system out there to work good,” said Board Chair Linsdey Clark during the meeting, with other board members echoing the same sentiment. Wilson explained that they have always had issues with the system, specifically with intelligibility when announcements are made.
The current sound system currently uses what he describes as a “blasting approach” to loudly project sound from one side of the stadium. The upgrade would add additional coverage, installing speakers at both sides of the stadium and at various other points.
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The board discussed their options, pointing out that if they wait an additional five years to do the upgrade, they will not have access to the contingency funds anymore and would likely have to dip into the general fund. When construction concludes, remaining funds will rollover into a capital expenditure account that can only be used for specific projects.
Wilson assured the board that if approve, the system would not need to be installed right away, and construction would not impact use of the stadium. They would be able to put down a deposit and wait until spring to initiate instillation. The option to purchase new equipment was unanimously approved.
Additional expenses approved
Alongside the newly sworn in board member Whitney Holland and the new student board members, they approved a few other change orders for CCHS in addition to the speakers and parking projects.
The following change order amounts were approved unanimously by the board during the workshop meeting.
- $16,200 for CCHS Tigers competition wrestling mats.
- $11,500 to install internet equipment at the CCHS athletics complex
- $7,700 to route electricity to the new band garage at CCHS.
- $1,500 to adjust the newly installed bleachers at the CCHS athletics complex.
The amount of money remaining in the contingency will be presented by the CCPS Financial Director at the next regular board meeting in November.
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