South Putnam School Board gets construction update

Work is getting ready to pick up in earnest for several construction projects for the South Putnam School Corporation. 

The South Putnam School Board received an update on renovations across the district by Fanning Howey and Michael Kinder & Sons (MKS) Wednesday night. 

The projects, which come with a price tag of about $20 million, include a new fieldhouse at South Putnam Middle/High School, roof replacements across the district, a new weight room and wrestling room and upgrades at the football stadium, as well as the track and field surface at South Putnam High School.

"I am particularly thrilled about the upgrades being made as part of this project. Fanning Howey and MKS have been invaluable partners in the planning and development process. Their dedication and hard work have been evident as they've collaborated with us to bring this vision to life while staying within budget constraints.Though there have been compromises and difficult decisions throughout the project, as is typical with endeavors of this magnitude, we are moving forward with confidence," South Putnam Schools Superintendent Dr. Corey Smith told The Putnam County Post. 

Smith said the project is about to enter the "disruptive phase," and he is urging caution by students, staff and community members. 

"It is exciting, but safety is a great concern when we have heavy equipment around. Please do not enter any construction areas without permission and without proper personal protective equipment," Smith said. 

Officials with Fanney Howey and MKS said the design and development of the fieldhouse was submitted a month ago and that project is about 75 percent complete on design and should be out for bid in June. 

"We are working on hammering out the details the last several weeks to make sure the building works and looks like it should. One of the challenges we have had is blending the new addition with the existing. I am excited for where it is headed and creating that front focal point," David Roan with Fanney Howey said. 

Roan said the track and field/football stadium project is also underway as MKS has started mobilizing and gearing up for construction over the summer with an Aug. 1 deadline. 

Motz Group, out of Cincinnati, received the award for the project. 

Motz Group is responsible for the construction project at Paycor Stadium, home of the Cincinnati Bengals, Ohio State, Ohio University, Rose-Hulman University and multiple high schools. 

Smith believes the projects will "transform" South Putnam's facilities. 

"Not only will it enhance learning environments, but it will also create new opportunities for student engagement and participation district-wide. The fieldhouse, track and field updates and new outdoor lighting are just a few of the visual highlights, alongside crucial updates addressing deferred maintenance such as roofing at Central Elementary and the Middle School/High School, as well as pool renovations," Smith said.