Hughes Springs Junior High gym to get major upgrade in the spring semester

  By: J. Leslie Riseden

Special Contributor to

The Steel Country Bee

Bleachers in the gym at Hughes Springs Junior High School are slated for replacement, following unanimous approval by the HSISD Board at its regular meeting Oct. 10.

The HSJH gym was constructed during the 1978- 1980 building program, and the bleachers that are being replaced are the originals, according to HSISD Superintendent Sarah Dildine. “The new plans call for seating for approximately 530 people,” said Dildine. The current capacity is approximately 320, so the new gym should be able to accommodate well over 50 percent more people at events.

Texas-based Specialty Supply and Installation LLC, “The Seating Pros”, has been selected for the purchase and installation of the bleachers. The approved bid is for $66,760, and will include seating in the mezzanine level, as well as accommodation for ADA seating that complies with current state and federal guidelines. When the original bleachers were installed, ADA guidelines were not in place. Going forward, the project requires formal acceptance of the bid, final submission of detailed plans, and sign-offs by various engineers and inspectors. The target date for installation is Spring Break.