Craig Howell UPDATES — Thomas Wippenbeck, of McKinley and Associates, spoke to members of the Hancock County Board of Education Monday, providing an update on several improvement projects planned for the school systems.

NEW CUMBERLAND — Some of the planned improvement projects at several Hancock County Schools facilities are going out to bid this week, including those which will see new baseball and softball fields built on the Weir High School campus.

Thomas Wippenbeck of McKinley and Associates addressed members of the Hancock County Board of Education during their meeting Monday, providing an update on the proposals.

“We were able to find a good location for the pressbox at the baseball field,” he said, noting the facility would be built on top of an existing storage building.

The new baseball field is set to be built on the site of Weir High’s current softball field, with the new softball field to be established in an area currently used for parking across from the main entrance of the school.

In addition to the baseball and softball field projects, Wippenbeck explained a physical education building project also set for Weir High has been bid out this week. A pre-bid meeting is set for 2:30 p.m., Thursday, at Weir High for potential contractors to learn more.

“Contractors can come and express interest,” Wippenbeck said, noting bids will be due at 1 p.m., April 19 with plans to be awarded by the school board during its April 25 meeting.

Wippenbeck explained the two projects are being bid out at the same time as a matter of convenience in the event any company would like to bid on both.

“We’re putting them out at the same time so if contractors want to bid on both, they can,” he said.

He said that would help to cut down on disruptions on the campus, as well as the number of construction vehicles on site.

Wippenbeck noted the next focus would be for projects planned for classroom additions at New Manchester Elementary.

Classroom additions also have been planned at Weir Middle School, as well as mechanical upgrades including HVAC upgrades at Weir High, Oak Glen and Weirton Elementary.

In other business, the board of education:

Received a report from Chief Financial Officer Joe Campinelli on the potential costs associated with adjustments to dental and optical benefits for employees and retirees. Additional discussions will be held at a later time.

Approved a request to establish an archery team at Oak Glen Middle for the 2022-23 school year.

Approved a request by Little Blessings Preschool for use of county school buses.

Agreed to the formation of a science club at Oak Glen High School.

Held a lengthy discussion on the possibility of including sixth-grade sports, with additional information being gathered before a decision is made.

(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com, and followed via Twitter @CHowellWDT)