Recommended Free Tools
Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
The Festus R-6 School District’s roughly $30 million gym and fieldhouse project remains on its current schedule despite crews encountering about 12 feet of rock during site preparation, district officials told the Board of Education on Oct. 15, 2026. The update, reported Nov. 1, says the rock was expected and included in the project budget. Current targets call for the fieldhouse to open in fall 2027 and the new gym in January 2029, although those dates are schedule targets rather than guarantees.
What did Festus officials report about the project’s status?
Project manager-principal Roy Mangan of Archimages and Superintendent Nicki Ruess said construction was still progressing on schedule at the Oct. 15 Board of Education meeting. The latest account was published by The Leader on Nov. 1, 2026.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Mangan said weather had generally supported the work. “We’ve had a lot of good success,” he said, while noting only a little rain in the preceding days. He also said crews had encountered approximately 12 feet of rock while preparing the site.
Ruess said the rock was breaking relatively easily and that its removal was anticipated in the project’s budget. That means the update does not indicate a new, unbudgeted cost or a delay caused by the discovery.
Popular on Amazon
- Ergonomically Designed: Work in tight areas with a compact design that gets into tough spots
- Both tools are designed to fit into difficult to reach spaces
- Complete a wide range of applications with a high-performance motor that delivers up to 300 UWO, and an impact driver delivering up to 1,400 in-lbs of torque
- Both the DEWALT impact driver and drill driver feature integrated LED work lights with a convenient 20-second delay, ensuring enhanced visibility in dimly lit or challenging work areas
- One-Handed Loading - Keep one hand free with a 1/4 in. hex chuck that accepts 1 in. bit tips
Where are the new gym and fieldhouse being built?
The new gym is planned beside the existing gym at Festus High School, 501 Westwind Drive. The fieldhouse will be located near the baseball field on the other side of campus. Because the buildings are in different parts of the campus, their construction and opening schedules are being tracked separately.
When are the fieldhouse and gym expected to open?
The district’s current targets are a fall 2027 opening for the fieldhouse and a January 2029 opening for the gym. Ruess confirmed that those remain the district’s current targets at the October meeting.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The fieldhouse is scheduled to finish first. Gym construction and parking-lot work will continue after the fieldhouse opens, so the fall 2027 opening will not mark the end of construction across the campus. Portions of the property are expected to remain an active construction area while the later work proceeds.
Also popular on Amazon
- Valued Carpenter Pencil Set: You will get 2 pcs solid carpenter pencils with 26 piece 2.8 mm refills, 1 replaceable sharpener, 1 plastic storage box.The complete carpenter pencils combination allows you to finish your work faster and more easily
- Deep Hole Marker Pencil: The deep-hole construction pencils adopts 45mm elongated tip design, which is more convenient to mark in the small hole or in other tight areas that other carpenter markers cannot reach
- Carpenter Pencils with Sharpener: The sharpener is screwed into the top of the work pencil, which won't get lost either. Built-in pencil sharpener that keep the lead with pointed and smooth to Improves line of sight in fine work
- Stronger Solid Lead: This work pencil is matched with a 2.8 mm thick lead , which is much thicker and stronger during the drawing process of construction work, it will not break or damage easily
- Marks on Various Surfaces: 3 colors solid construction pencil can marks on various surfaces,such as metal, plastic, wood, paper etc. Ideals for woodworkers, contractors, craftsmen, builders, merchants and masons
What work was expected next at the October meeting?
Mangan said the team expected to scrape the grass at the beginning of November and then move toward structural work after the foundations. He described truckloads of steel arriving and the building beginning to rise after foundation work in the November–December timeframe.
Those statements described planned work as of Oct. 15. They should not be read as confirmation that the November activities were completed, because the latest report did not include a later construction inspection or schedule update.
How much does the Festus R-6 project cost?
Reports describe the overall project as costing roughly $30 million, but that figure remains an estimate. In February 2026, Ruess said the district did not yet have a guaranteed maximum price because all bid packages had not been issued. At the October meeting, the asphalt package was still the last major package, and officials had not set its bid date.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteAlso popular on Amazon
- 【Great Compatibility】This Katerk 1/4 inch hex shank bit holder is specifically designed for 1/4 inch hex shank drill bits. It's compatible with most 1/4 fast hex handles, hex sockets, various electric screwdrivers, and handheld screwdrivers. The bit holder makes it a valuable addition for any handyman.
- 【Secure and Safe】Built with a secure backup nut design, each drill bit holder securely locks onto your bits, ensuring they stay firmly in place. Additionally, our bit holder incorporates a high-quality steel ball rolling design that holds up to several kilograms of weight, ensuring your various drill bits don't fall off.
- 【Easy One-Handed Operation】The bit holder for impact driver allows you to change bits single-handedly, simplifying your workflow. Its multi-color design further allows for quick identification of the drill bit you need.
- 【Compact and Convenient】Thanks to its compact size, this 1/4 inch bit holder is easy to carry around. The bit holder allows for easy attachment to various tools, making this a convenient addition to your construction accessories. The Katerk bit holder is cast from high-quality alloy material, promising a long product lifespan. Despite its rugged strength, the bit holder remains lightweight, making it portable.
- 【Cool Christmas Gift For Men Stocking Stuffers】 This screwdriver bit holder, driver bit holder, impact bit holder, can be given as a gift to your loved one, especially for anyone involved in construction or electrical work. It's a must-have for stocking stuffers for men and women, tools gifts for dad, tech gadgets for men, gifts for dad, gifts for him, gifts for husband, gifts for boyfriend, cool gadgets for men, and cool gifts for dad.
Earlier package figures cover specific scopes and should not be added together as though they were the final project price:
| Item | Reported amount or scope | Timing and source |
|---|---|---|
| Overall project estimate | About $30 million; no guaranteed maximum price reported at the time | February 2026 report; status checked November 2026 |
| Site-development package | $3,990,007, including architect and contractor fees and incidental costs | February 2026 board action; status checked November 2026 |
| Bid Package 4 | $3,053,933 for fieldhouse construction trades and related work | July 2026 approval; status checked November 2026 |
| Remaining major package | Asphalt work; bid date had not been set by Oct. 15 | October 2026 update; status checked November 2026 |
The February report described the fieldhouse as a 2,100-seat building of approximately 40,000 to 42,000 square feet. Bid Package 4 included general trades, HVAC, roofing, windows, studs and drywall, painting, flooring, plumbing, fire suppression, electrical work and sports equipment. The February project report and July bid report document those earlier figures.
How is the project being delivered?
Brockmiller Construction of Farmington is serving as construction manager at risk, with Archimages as architect and the district as owner. The board selected Brockmiller for that role in September 2025.
Also popular on Amazon
- Toolwiz 17-inch magnetic sweeper maintaining a load capacity of up to 8.8 pounds provides a perfect solution to the problem of clearing small ferrous metal objects, such as nails, tacks, bolts, and metal shavings from workshops or garage floors.
- Convenient and portable：17” is good for home, small workshop, or small yard as it is space-saving and more reachable for narrow areas. Perfect for collecting nails or small parts in the car, under the table, and in other nooks or crannies.
- Upgraded Handle Design: The handle features a sturdy, non-telescopic design to completely prevent slipping during use. By simply adding or removing the extension poles, the height can be adjusted to 3 different lengths: 18.9" (48 cm), 32.5" (82.5 cm), and 42.5" (108 cm) from ground to top. This customizable height helps prevent back bending and muscle strain, making your cleaning tasks effortless
- Flexible wheels: Upgrade wheel screws to avoid being too tight to spin or too loose. More comfortable 3-inch rubber wheels roll smoothly on carpet, grass, concrete, and hardwood floors. Just push and pull this rolling magnet-sweeper to pick up metal nails easily.
- Lightweight materials: The magnetic nail sweeper's compact and lightweight design makes the sweeping can be done anywhere you want, Push or pull it under the furniture, passing through the workshop floor, driveway, mud, grass, and gravel.
Under the construction-manager-at-risk approach, the contractor, architect and district develop the work in packages and bid those scopes as designs progress. The approach explains why individual package approvals appear over time and why the overall guaranteed maximum price was not available while major packages remained outstanding.
How is the project funded?
Revenue from Proposition F is funding the work. Voters approved the proposition in April 2019, authorizing a 59-cent levy increase per $100 of assessed valuation for multiple district improvements, including the gym and fieldhouse project.
Planning for the fieldhouse began in January 2021 with an estimated $14 million cost. The board unanimously placed the project on hold in November 2022 as enrollment growth increased the need for classroom space and construction estimates rose. The project later advanced under the current construction-manager-at-risk arrangement.
Also popular on Amazon
- APPLY TO MOST DRILLS : 6 pieces screw extractors work with any drill and all the screw size or bolt (3-12mm), These extractor tools are used to reverse the damaged screw counterclockwise until it is released
- The DIY Tools for Men-Men won't know they need screw extractor set until they have one! This screw extractor set is GIFTS WRAP AVAILABLE, can be gifted to your loved ones as it reflects a fresh trend with fun and practical. Amazing and Unique tool gifts for men women. The must have stocking stuffers for men, gifts for dad, husband, father, him, guy teens, adult, Boyfriend, son on Birthdays, Christmas, Fathers Day or anniversary. Perfect Holiday Gifts Guide
- HIGH QUALITY - This damaged screw remover tool kit is made from High-Speed Steel H.S.S 4341# , which have high hardness of 63hrc, it's durable and easily to remove any damaged screws.
- EASY TO USE: Just two simple steps to get the job done - drill a hole with a cutting size using the right size screw extractor and easily remove the screw or bolt using the removal tool Hardness 63-65HRC: Titanium hardened steel material, more durable than most screw extractors on the market, better hardness and durability than others, buy with confidence and complete peace of mind
- Cool Gadgets for Men Dad Christmas Birthday Gifts for Men and Women - Men won't know they need screw extractor sets until they have one! Every screw has the potential to rust and break, which can create a situation where it cannot be removed. Owning it, there will be no anxiety about rusty screws. This screw extractor set is GIFTS WRAP AVAILABLE, can be gifted to your loved ones as it reflects a fresh trend with fun and practical. Amazing and unique tool gifts for men women. A must have stocking stuffer for men on birthdays, Christmas, Father's Day or anniversaries, a gifts for dads, husbands, fathers, him, adults, boyfriends, sons. The best and most practical and surprising Christmas gifts
What should residents watch for next?
The next meaningful milestones are completion of foundation work, the start of structural steel installation and the eventual asphalt bid. Residents should also expect construction activity to continue after the fieldhouse opens, because the gym and parking areas are scheduled for later completion.
The most recent public update supports a project that was on schedule as of Oct. 15, but it does not provide an independent inspection, a final guaranteed maximum price or confirmation that every planned November task occurred. Opening dates and cost figures should therefore be treated as the district’s current targets and estimates until later board reports establish otherwise.
Sources
- The Leader: Festus R-6 gym-fieldhouse project progressing despite rock
- The Leader: Festus R-6 gym project expected to start soon
- The Leader: Festus R-6’s gym-fieldhouse project continues
- Festus R-6 School District board report, Jan. 15, 2026
- Festus R-6 School District board report
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “construction manager at risk” mean for the Festus project?
It means Brockmiller Construction is involved during design and procurement, not only after a single finished plan is advertised. Work is divided into bid packages, allowing the district and architect to develop and price scopes in stages.
Will the fieldhouse opening mean all Festus campus construction is finished?
No. The fieldhouse is scheduled to open first, while the new gym and parking-lot work continue. Areas of the campus may therefore remain under construction after athletic events begin in the fieldhouse.
Why is the final project price not yet guaranteed?
The district had not issued every major package when the February estimate was reported, and asphalt remained outstanding in October. Until those scopes are bid and incorporated, the roughly $30 million figure remains an estimate rather than a guaranteed maximum price.
What levy approved funding for the gym and fieldhouse?
Proposition F, approved by voters in April 2019, authorized a 59-cent increase per $100 of assessed valuation. The resulting revenue is being used for several district improvements, including this project.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
