The district is looking to replace four speakers and the underlying audio system in the high school gym for $22,219, and apply top dressing to several areas at the Jim Kordziel Athletic Fields for $15,372. The repair reserve fund’s creation was approved by district voters in 2022.

It authorizes LPCSD to hold a fund of up to $1 million for site, building and athletic field improvements, furnishings and equipment. LPCSD Assistant Superintendent for Business, Finance and Support Services Dana Wood said the district has been diligent about keeping the reserve at or close to its maximum and replacing funds that are withdrawn.

Wood said if these projects are approved by the board, LPCSD “has every intention” of replenishing the fund from its general budget. He said keeping it funded enables the district to allocate money toward relatively financially minor fixes as they arise, rather than having to wait and roll them up as part of less frequent and more costly capital improvement projects. Previously, the district used the fund to replace a generator, water boiler and air ventilation systems.

The audio replacement quote the district is considering comes from the Presentation Concepts Corporation. If approved, the company would charge the district $11,669 for the equipment and $10,500 for installation costs.

LPCSD Superintendent Tim Seymour said the high school gym’s current sound system is around 20 years old and is near the end of its useful life. He said it’s also prone to audio feedback and shuts off sometimes. The gym is used for athletic games, concerts and school assemblies.

“There were several instances where the system would just break down and we were not able to use the microphone system during a packed house for a concert or to be able to announce our students when we’re starting a basketball game while warm-up music is playing at the same time,” he said. “Those are the instances where the problems just compounded.”

If approved, the audio system replacement would take place during spring break in April.

Seymour said the district has a longstanding relationship with the Turf Management Company, which recommended the top dressing to preserve the fields’ long-term integrity, potentially saving on future repair costs. He said it’s something that the district wants to do more routinely, but hasn’t in some time.

The project would include the varsity soccer field, track soccer field and concession soccer field to a quarter inch, and the baseball infield to a half inch. In total, 212 tons of washed mason sand at $30.75 per ton, for $6,519. The labor and equipment costs are $8,853,25 for the project.

A more detailed project breakdown is available at lpcsd.org/article/2490623. Comments may be submitted for the repair reserve fund by emailing lpdistrictclerk@lakeplacidcsd.net. Emails will be read during the hearing, and a regular board meeting will follow. The public is invited to attend in person or remotely over Zoom at tinyurl.com/yu3r3pkr.