R-1 Board Approves Funding For Athletic Complex Renovation

Elementary Principal Will Retire

The Ava R-1 Board of Education met in special session Monday night to finalize the funding for renovations to the football field complex, and other capital improvements.

Dr. Brian Wilson, superintendent, reported that the board approved the “Authorization of Lease/Purchase” to refinance current projects and issue $2 million in funds for new construction.

Ava Athletic Director Rex Sawyer said Wednesday afternoon that work has already begun at the football field.

The project will include installation of new bleachers and an all-weather track, and construction of a new field house and other features including restrooms, concession stand and press box.

With the renovations, the entrance to the football stadium will be revamped, as well.

The field house will be constructed so that it can be utilized for football, softball and baseball. Until now, baseball and softball players have had no dressing room facilities.

The capital improvements will also include roof work on existing school buildings, new folding bleachers for the high school gym that meet current safety requirements, and a new walk-in cooler for the food services department.

Also in the special closed session meeting Monday night, the board accepted the resignation of Elementary Principal Diana Premer, effective at the end of the current school year.

The board also formally accepted the resignation of Clint Gazette, high school history teacher and varsity girls’ basketball coach who left last week.

Also accepted were resignations of Trish Haltom as co-sponsor of Pep Club and Link Crew; Airin Roberts as co-sponsor of Pep Club; and Janell Stewart as sponsor of Student Council. Dr. Wilson clarified that these faculty members only resigned their extra-duty positions.

The board also voted to hire Clint Hall as middle school math teacher for the 2013-14 school year. Hall is a graduate of Ava High School, currently teaching at Norwood.