School construction ahead of schedule at high school campus
By BRENDA SOMMER bsommer@leader-news.com

Construction at El Campo High School is rolling along, and the new track and artificial turf project at Ricebird Stadium should be completed before football season starts this fall.

At last week's meeting, trustees were updated on current construction projects, which include not only the stadium, but renovations and expansion of the high school science building.

Superintendent Mark Pool told the board demolition of the old high school practice gym began two weeks ago and was almost entirely at ground level by last Tuesday's board meeting.

"It's really changed the whole look of the campus," Pool said, noting removal of the building makes the campus feel less crowded and lighter.

Pool also updated trustees on the status of Ricebird Stadium, sharing a fact he learned about the underground drainage being installed. He said builders told him the below-ground ditches under the field can hold 1.7 acre-feet - 553,946 gallons - of water, which then moves into the city's storm drain system.

He also pointed out that in their work, stadium builders found the old field was off-center by 30 and 1/2 inches. The field will be moved north by that amount so the 50-yard-line lines up with the center of the center aisle that leads to the press box.

Since the track can't be moved, the "D-ring" space between the end of the end zone and curve of the track will be 30 1/2 inches longer on the south end of the field.

If all goes well, the stadium project is on schedule for a completion date in early June.

The storm drainage work at the field was completed by April 9, and soil has been tested and stabilized. Site grading is complete and construction of track curbs was under way as of the board meeting.

At the science building, asbestos abatement has been completed, and demolition where needed was to begin April 12. Builders next will work on storm drainage, underground electrical and plumbing, piers and the building's pad and layout.

The $3.115 million science building renovation and expansion project and $1.477 million are part of $15 million in improvements the district has identified and prioritized in the last few years.