McPHERSON, Kan. — If everything goes as now planned, McPherson High School basketball will open the season in the Roundhouse. On a 4-2 vote Thursday night, the USD 418 Board of Education agreed to move forward with installation of the new floor to replace the one destroyed when it flooded after a torrential rain in June.
As of now, Superintendent Shiloh Vincent told the board the pouring of new concrete is scheduled for the week of Oct. 6, with electrical and sound conduit now being installed. Construction of the sub-floor would start the following week, and installation of the new floor would begin the week of Oct. 20. Allowing for new floor to settle in place and for sanding and finishing of the floor, under this time frame the floor would be usable one day prior to the start of basketball practice Nov. 17.
The no votes came from members Chelsea Busch and Rebecca Pankratz, who did not want flooring installation to begin until at least temporary drainage work is completed. Vincent said there has already been some preliminary work to address these issues, including replacement of an inoperable pump and piping work.
On the subject of drainage, bid documents are being prepared and it could come to the board for action at their next regular meeting on Oct. 13. It was indicated the district may utilize a firm that holds a “state bid” for work of that kind.
Vincent informed the board he was told by a temporary floor vendor they did not have sufficient panels on hand for a temporary floor. However, Busch, who has been the primary supporter of a temporary floor option, said in her conversations with that company it was indicated they could order additional floor sections. There was a concern about potential additional cost for both the district and that company.
Coaches also expressed safety concerns about synthetic flooring being used.
At this point, it is now certain the MHS volleyball team will not be able to host a possible substate tournament at the Roundhouse. Options are being explored, including use of courts at one of the colleges, or possibly the Hutchinson Sports Arena, operation of which is controlled by Hutchinson Community College and is also the site of the 4A state tournament.
