Auditorium gets facelift

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Albany High School auditorium is undergoing a bit of updating, with a new maple floor installed on the stage.

“There has been water damage, especially around the edges, that have been repaired in the past,” superintendent Jonathan Scott said. “The patching had started to become a tripping hazard in places, so it was time to replace it.”

Scott said that the school district was notified about a grant through Shackelford County for $12,500 that was earmarked specifically for fine arts.

“I knew immediately where we needed to spend that money when we got the grant,” he said.

The cost to replace the flooring was $40,000 and is being completed by Allen Sports Floors, the same company that refinishes the wood flooring in the two gyms on campus each year.

“We found some damage caused by ants and termites that had to be repaired as well,” Scott said. “That was also mostly around the edges. The majority of the sub-floor was in good shape.”

He added that a second donation for $15,000, given anonymously, was received to help with the project, leaving the district to cover only about $2,500.

Other improvements are being planned in the auditorium, which is much the same as it was originally constructed in 1959.

“We need to paint the interior and make repairs to the seating, as well as update the stage lights,” Scott said.

The new wood flooring is being installed from the main curtain line to the back of the stage. The semi-circle apron and steps in front of the curtain will be sanded and stained to match the new flooring.

“We are very fortunate to have received the grant and the donation to make this possible,” the superintendent said.

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