HOISINGTON — The new Lincoln Elementary School in Hoisington is nearing completion. Construction is expected to be finished by May 18 and teachers will begin to move into their new classrooms.
Nabholz Construction Project Manager Mickey Starkey appeared in front of the USD 431 School Board on Monday to discuss the progress. He said that construction has gone smoothly and that everything is on schedule.

New playground equipment chosen
The board also approved the bid on a set of playground equipment for the new school.
Superintendent Bill Lowry presented options and the board decided on a set that will cost $89,090. The money will come out of the $300,000 from the bond allocated for playground equipment and landscaping.
Lowry said he likes that the set of equipment is open and allows for easy supervision of the students.
Board member Sara Tarlton said that the equipment looks age-appropriate and safe.
The board also decided on the use of turf in the playground instead of sod.
Lowry said that while turf will cost more initially, it will last longer than sod and save money in the long run.
The turf and installation is expected to cost at least an additional $125,000.

Release date approved
In other business, the board approved a calendar change for the 2016-17 school year.
May 12 will be the last day of the school year for every school in the district.
Lowry said that since no snow days were used, the district can afford a couple days off at the end of the year.
He also said that this gives the Lincoln Elementary teachers more time to prepare for the move into the new school.