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New look for gym floor

Iola-Scandinavia to update design

By Holly Neumann


The Iola-Scandinavia High School gym floor will have a new look in time for the next Thunderbirds’ basketball game.

“We wanted to keep some of the traditions of the old floor and incorporate/update that into the new floor design,” said Principal Chris Nelson. “That is why we kept the I-S symbol in the floor and just updated it. I think the I-S symbol embodies and connects the communities of Iola and Scandinavia.”

Nelson said dozens of drawings and redraws were reviwed with the flooring company before making a decision.

“We received input from staff members, students and community members,” he said. “There is a darker finish inside the three-point line that will be a contrast to the lighter overall finish to give the floor a more modern look.”

Last June, heavy rain and high winds blew leaves and debris onto the school’s new roof clogging drains.

That caused water to pool and go through the ventilation system, flooding the cafeteria and gym floor.

The gym floor sustained ripple effect water damage.

The district made temporary repairs to get the floor playable for the 2018-19 school year, at a cost of $33,600.

The district decided to replace the floor for $136,790 instead of repair the damaged area for $116,200.

“Repairing it would leave us with a repaired 30-plus-year old gym floor,” said Business Manager Sarah Thiel. “To replace the floor, it gives us a new floor with a 30-plus-year lifespan, plus a more modern and accident resistant sub floor system with a vapor barrier protection, which will substantially decrease the likelihood of problems in the future.”

Insurance will cover the cost of the temporary repairs and permanent repairs less the district’s deductible for a total insurance claim of $145,400.

“The difference in cost of $20,590,” said Thiel. “Essentially, we are getting a $136,000 gym floor for $20,000.”
Work is scheduled to begin after the school year ends.

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