During its March 2026 meeting, the Easton School Board approved using existing Capital Projects funds to remove and replace the 1960s-era gymnasium flooring. This project will also include the abatement of asbestos-containing adhesive.
Per Board Resolution No. 8-2025.26, the District will utilize existing Capital Projects funds to complete both the asbestos abatement and the installation of new gymnasium flooring. This resolution does not include the purchase or installation of new scoreboards, a new sound system, or new basketball hoops.
The Board’s decision was based on the following:
Easton School District was awarded a $120,000 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) grant from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to replace the existing non-ADA-compliant 1960s-era gymnasium bleachers.
Replacing the bleachers without addressing the gymnasium flooring would result in increased future costs, as the new bleachers would need to be removed and reinstalled when the flooring is eventually replaced.
The cost of replacing the gymnasium flooring will only increase over time.
Multiple flooring contractors have indicated that the current gymnasium floor has reached the end of its useful life.
Continued deterioration of the flooring presents an elevated risk of injury to students.
The asbestos abatement and new floor installation will begin immediately and be completed in August. Once the work begins, our PE classes and student recess time will be moved outside(weather permitting) or to the multi-purpose room for the remainder of the school year. Several new court designs will be shared with the community for their input.