The halls and gymnasium of the John Glenn High School have been quiet since the school closed its doors due to COVID-19. The closure has led to an interesting problem in the gymnasium.
John Glenn School Superintendent Christopher Winchell told the school board this week that Maintenance Director Shelby Gibson noticed a portion of the gym floor looked uneven earlier in the school year. Upon further inspection during the shutdown of the school, Gibson reported that the spot has worsened with other areas of concern on the gym floor.
The damage was determined to be caused by termites. Winchell explained that the lack of vibration on the floor by the students and the darkness of the gym have caused a termite infestation.
With the floor only withstanding one more sanding and refinishing before replacement, he recommended replacing the floor soon. Winchell thought it would be in the board’s best interest to replace the bleachers as well to bring them up to ADA standards.
Winchell will work with Barton Coe Vilamaa representatives to obtain a design and bids for a new floor and new bleachers. He did say that the entire project could cost upwards of $600,000. However, for the safety of students and spectators, it will be a cost they can’t afford to delay.
