ROYAL CITY — Construction was the overarching topic of discussion during a regular meeting of the Royal School Board on Monday, Jan. 27.

As construction on Red Rock Elementary School comes to a close, Royal Middle School and Royal High School are preparing for their own construction projects. In February 2019, voters approved a $16.58 million bond issue for security updates to both schools. The bond funds will also update and enlarge the bus garage.

As the next two construction projects approach, the district is taking steps in an effort to avoid the complications that have arisen with the Red Rock project. One of the biggest problems has been the delays that have kept Red Rock from being completed on time. The district had originally hoped to have the building totally completed in time for the beginning of this school year. As work progressed on the third phase of the project, the completion date was changed to the end of October 2019 for the main part of the building and the end of November for the gymnasium and cafeteria.

As of the Jan. 27 meeting, the kitchen and cafeteria still had yet to be completed. There is also a long list of other small projects that need to be completed before the contractor can leave the building for good.

In spite of the building not yet being totally complete, Red Rock Elementary School principal David Andra said that the past couple of weeks have been the most normal they have had since the construction began.

“It’s quiet,” Andra said. “I feel like we’re back in the swing of school. The focus isn’t on construction.”

Andra thanked everyone who came to the ribbon-cutting on Friday, Jan. 24.

“I think it went really well,” Andra said. “I know there are a ton of little things to do. I think it is already a great building.”

Royal High School Principal Rick Follett showed the board a drawing of the gym, the first phase of the high school’s renovation. The gym is going to be expanded with remodeled locker rooms and foyer and concession areas. Electronic entry will also be installed, allowing for a more secure gym and facilities.

Seating will be added on all four sides of the gym, increasing seating capacity to 1,360 people. Follett said that the district may want to consider moving graduation back inside after the renovation is complete in 2021.

In the meantime, plans are being made to move high school athletics to other schools as necessary during the next school year. They are also considering alternative changing facilities.

Rachal Pinkerton may be reached via email at rpinkerton@suntribunenews.com.