A maintenance issue has raised safety concerns surrounding the Tidioute Community Charter School's gymnasium.
At Wednesday's meeting of the school's board of trustees, members were notified about unevenness on the gym floor. Rob Burris, facilities committee chairperson, recommended waiting until next summer and not try to fix the problem over winter break.
An estimate for work covering 100 square feet of new flooring included sanding and repainting lines. The work would cost around $7,500, Burris said.
Albert Haney, board president, asked if there was a tripping hazard. Marjorie Manning, board member, said the volleyball net poles won't fit in the floor holes.
"Repairs could disrupt the sports schedule," Haney said. "Should we risk trying to get by another year?"
Trustin McDonald, athletic director, said the problem has grown over the years. It now extends for about 30 feet, but workers would have to cover a larger area to get to the spot which accounts for the 100 feet quoted.
If the floor is redone, McDonald said the the basketball season could be impacted. However, the school could also be held liable for any injuries as it is supposed to provide a safe playing environment.
John Weaver, board member and Athletic Committee chairperson, asked if eliminating the holes for the volleyball posts would solve the problem. Moisture has created the raised floor, McDonald said, and if that issue isn't addressed the floor won't stay even.
After volleyball season, Haney said the receptacles for the poles could be removed and then a temporary patch could be placed over the area with the drainage problems addressed later.
According to McDonald, he didn't know if that would fix the other issues. There still might be a tripping hazard.
"Are you suggesting we cancel the basketball season?" Manning asked.
It would be up to the board to make that decision, McDonald said. Haney said the bidder could be asked for a quote on a temporary fix to at least get rid of the tripping hazards.
Burris said he would call them. Although the work wouldn't be a final answer, Haney said it could be a stop-gap measure.
Dr. John Linden, interim chief educational officer, asked if an engineer had looked at the gymnasium. Sports Floor Inc. had looked at it, Burris said, and they entered the bid.
Heather Cass, office manager, said Larson Architects had also looked at the engineering aspects. When the floor was put in, McDonald said the holes for the nets had to be punched in and were not part of the original design.
There are no water pipes in that area, Cass said, so the source of the moisture isn't clear. On rainy days, McDonald said the receptacles are dry but when the weather is dry the receptacles have water in it.
According to Burris, there is a big overhang on the roof the gymnasium.
In addition, the board ratified a contract with new CEO Dr. Douglas Allen.
Members planned to have their next meeting at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10 at the school.