Othello High School tennis courts delayed

OTHELLO — The saga of the tennis courts at Othello High School continues.

Othello School District officials have been trying to build new tennis courts since spring 2016, and a contract actually was awarded in 2016. But the project was delayed and a new contract awarded in summer 2017.

The project was supposed to be finished by early November and, said project risk manager Gregg Fultz, it’s almost done. However, what's left means the courts can’t be used until it’s finished.

Fultz made a report to the Othello School Board at its regular meeting Monday.

The court surfacing material still must be applied, Fultz said. That can’t be done until temperatures are at least 50 degrees for most of the work day. Tentatively the subcontractor is planning to return in early March, but that will depend on the weather, he said.

In answer to a question from board member Rob Simmons, Fultz said the wind barriers will be installed after the court surfacing is finished.

The work should take seven to 10 days, Fultz said. “Once he starts, he doesn’t stop.” When it’s completed the courts will be ready for use.

In other business, a tentative plan to change the start of the school day was put on hold, and will be reevaluated by the end of the school year.

A shortage of bus drivers had district officials thinking about staggering start times at the district’s elementary schools, OHS and McFarland Middle School. Parents and staff were surveyed to determine whether they preferred elementary school to start and end before the middle school and high school, or the high school and middle school to start first. But in the meantime district officials hired five more bus drivers.

Sandra Villarreal, director of human resources, said school officials are starting some after school programs as well. An extended after school program and more bus drivers have alleviated the need to change the school day, she said.

The board presented plaques to outgoing board members Juan Garza and Stewart Hilmes. Neither filed for reelection, and Monday was their last board meeting.

Hilmes was the longest-serving person on the current board, having been on the board for 13 years. Garza served seven years.

Board member Tony Ashton estimated Hilmes spent between 1,200 and 1,500 hours in board meetings alone. Hilmes was committed to the students and the community, Ashton said. “His intention always as a board member was to put our students first."

“It’s pretty incredible, the payback that you get for doing this,” Hilmes said. Board members are on the board to get the best education for the students, he said. “Children come first, and that’s why we’re here.”

Garza is the current board president, “and he’s been a great leader,” Ashton said. “He’s definitely all about the students of Othello.”

Garza called it a “bittersweet moment for me, because I loved being part of the board. But I also know it’s important to move on.” He was grateful for the friends he’s made, he said. “But above anything else, it’s about what Stewart mentioned. It’s about the kids.” He credited the OSD staff for their efforts.

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at education@columbiabasinherald.com.