Hays School Board approves two building projects

(HAYS, Kan.) — The Hays Board of Education approves two building projects at its meeting Monday night, including moving forward with a new fitness facility at Hays High School.

The decision Monday allows the Hays district to move forward on the fitness facility at the high school. Supporters say the facility will better allow student athletes prepare and train, but opponents worry about funding. Ultimately the board approved the motion 6-to-1.

The Hays School Board also approved an expansion project at Felten Middle School. The addition will add six classrooms and two restrooms. The expansion is designed to relieve overcrowding as more students come the building when Kennedy Middle School closes at the end of the school year.

The district says another expansion project is on the agenda February 20, when the board will discuss an additional eight classrooms for the middle school. That would be paid for with a FEMA grant and the classrooms would be designed to serve as a storm shelter for the school.