New bleachers for OHS come with financial assistance

Fans of Ozaukee High School volleyball, basketball and wrestling won’t be sitting in the 1960s much longer.

The Northern Ozaukee School District is replacing the bleachers in the gym, and it’s getting some help to pay for nearly half of the $167,000 project.

“The district anticipates incoming donations of up to $80,000 that will significantly reduce the actual cost to the district,” Supt. Dave Karrels said.

The Booster Club is pledging $45,000 and the Warrior Boys Basketball Club is giving $20,000, with the Warrior Girls Basketball Club expected to donate $15,000.

“Our district is very appreciative to these clubs for their outstanding partnership that made this bleacher project a reality,” Karrels said.

The facility could use the upgrade.

“The original bleachers were from the 1960s and the maintenance team did an outstanding job to keep the bleachers serviceable for all of these years,” Karrels said.

“The update is recommended to align with updated building safety codes, Americans with Disability Act requirements and improve visitor traffic.”

The project was put in this year’s budget. On Jan. 12, the School Board unanimously approved hiring the Goodson Co. of Milwaukee to do remove and dispose of the old bleachers and install the new ones for $167,800, less than the proposed budget for the project.

Karrels said District Facilities Director Kent Schueller consulted with multiple companies before recommending the Goodson Co. do the work.