Power tools, sawdust and patches of vacant floor boards will encompass the Superior High School gymnasium until classes begin for the school year.

The high school will have a new gymnasium floor after its construction is finished, which Superior High School Principal Chris Clairmont says is planned to finish on Aug. 26, the same day school begins.

The new floor will replace the school’s original gym floor which was constructed in 1973. Clairmont says gym floors can handle three sanding’s in their lifetime until the entire floor needs replacing.

“We’re looking out for the safety of the kids,” Clairmont said.

The school not only has big plans for the new floor, but floor’s old pieces will be displayed in the building. The bobcat logo, which lied in the center of the floor, will be replaced with a sold “S” and the old logo will go to the Health Enhancement room.

The new floor is also designed to help absorb shock and a heavier impact than the previous floor. The gymnasium is used daily for physical education, sports practices and games, assemblies and is also used for non-school functions.

Clairmont says the new floor has been a long-term goal for several years and has been at the top of their budget “wish list”.

“It’s a pretty big deal,” Clairmont said.

Superior received a grant from the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, a philanthropic organization, to fund the floor and the school has also used funding from a bond passed in fall of 2017.

The floor is expected to be finished on Aug. 26, the same day school starts.