Loftis Updates Board on Construction Projects
By John Earp
At the January 26th meeting of the Jal Board of Education, Associate Administrator, Mr. Dusty Loftis, gave an update on the various ongoing construction projects in the district. He began by mentioning that the elementary addition is still being held up due to glass, though most of the inside is finished. Loftis said that construction on the elementary addition should be complete in time for next school year to start, including “hopefully plenty of time for the teachers to move in and things like that.”
A French drain behind the stadium had to be completely ripped out because a subcontractor got the numbers backwards. A new sidewalk and grading is being done. He said, “So hopefully before long, pavers are going to start going down and that should really start. Once they get the pavers done, then they can finish up the elementary playground, and so hopefully not too much time around that.” He said the only thing that will not be done before the next football season is the parking lot between the stadium and Utah. The new bus barn is going along well, Loftis said. He said, “We have completed a project—oil and gas—and building is now complete. Our kids are now in this facility and using this facility.” Loftis said there were just some very minor punch-list things remaining in the Oil & Gas (Temporary) Lab. The large Junior High Addition project is moving along well, with a projected completion time near the end of this school year. Loftis said it could possibly take a bit longer, with move-in being as late as the first week of August. Loftis added that the supply chain is what is holding up the glass, according to the contractors he has spoken with.
The Security Vestibule for the Administration Office has been completed. The Baseball Restroom Addition was estimated to be completed last May, but a delay due to city road improvements has set that estimated completion date back until July 2026. The Elementary Addition was estimated to be completed June 1st of last year, but also has been subject to construction delays. The Oil & Gas Temp Lab has been delayed due to permit changes. The Bus Barn, likewise has been delayed due to permit changes, and is estimated to be completed in October of this year. The Oil & Gas/Auto Tech VOAG Addition is estimated to be completed August 1, 2027. The Indoor Athletic Facility is estimated to be completed in May 2027.