Oskaloosa’s school board met for about 30 minutes Tuesday afternoon in special session to deal with a few items of business. The main topic was the acceptance of bids for construction of the new softball field.

Following a public hearing, in which no one spoke and no written comments were received, the board briefly discussed the bids. Iowa Cubs Turf submitted the low bid of $224,461.50 received the award. Athletic director Ryan Parker stated the company has done work for the district before and completed work satisfactorily. Board member Carl Drost agreed. He said the company was the one who built the Babe Ruth Fields at Lacey Complex.

Board chair Tom Richardson made it known that the building and trades students will be constructing the concession stand and rest rooms part of the project in lieu of building a home.

“Mr. Reiter (writer) has talked with the Eddyville superintendent and he has no qualms with what we are doing,” said Parker. “They will learn building, plumbing and electrical just like they do at the house, just in a different way.”

The erection of the field and laying of sod is expected to be part of Phase 1 and will be completed by Oct. 15. Fencing, restrooms and other parts of the project will be completed this spring.

Board members approved a sharing agreement for activities with Pella Christian and Oskaloosa Christian. Parker said the agreement with Pella Christian is primarily for swimming. Oskaloosa Christian’s agreement allows students who wish to play football, cross-country, wrestling, and baseball. Seventh and eighth-grade students have participated with Oskaloosa middle school students.

In other business, the board approved Maria Briones (Bree-O- nus) from Ecuador as an exchange student.

Approved the superintendent to sell some lights and out of date fixtures in the best possible manner. Advertisements will appear in The Oskaloosa Herald.

Story provided by RD Keep