Students will fill the halls of the new Hartselle High School campus Feb. 20 if contractors are able to finish by their deadline.

Superintendent Dr. Mike Reid cautioned that this projection was a “super tentative” date. It is possible that some furniture could be moved in Jan. 21, with the remainder coming between Feb. 16-20.

The occupancy date could change depending on how construction and inspections take place, Reed said. Auditorium construction may not be completed by this time, but Reed said the classroom sections of the facility would be able to be occupied.

Jim Maynard, project manager with Martin and Cobey Construction, reported to the board that the schedule is right where it should be and the contractual completion date of Feb. 8 should be met.

Paving continues throughout the campus and the front entrance is now being used. Wood flooring will start next week in the gym with bleachers to follow soon after.

At a meeting last week, the board reported that the new cost of the high school could increase by another $200,000 to accommodate an additional 200 parking places to reach the needed 600 parking places.

Also, the furniture budget ran over budget by about $60,000 and the field house redesign will cost about $65,000 more than originally anticipated.

That could cause the board of education to look at using metal lockers as opposed to wooden lockers which were originally proposed.

However, metal lockers are already being used for all of the other locker rooms inside the gymnasium.

In other action the board accepted resignations from Jean Briscoe, bus driver, and Gail Conner, child nutrition worker. Tina Southerland was approved for the position of Central Office Federal Programs/Financial Bookkeeper/Secretary. Out-of-state travel was approved for HHS Varsity Basketball, as was the use of J.P. Cain Stadium for the 2013 Relay for Life event. The board also approved a change in policy moving school board officers to a November to November term of office.

The board also recognized the 5A State Champion Hartselle High Volleyball team. Dr. Reid presented certificates of recognition to the players, coaches, and volunteers and congratulated the players and coaches for their great achievement.

Brent Maze contributed to this report.