(KNZA)--During a special meeting Friday morning, the Hiawatha School Board approved the expenditure of up to $15,000 for improvements to the main parking lot at the Hiawatha Elementary School.

Board President Ian Schuetz said complaints have been received from staff and parents about the condition of the parking lot.

The recent melting ice has led to muddy, sloppy conditions. Ruts have developed causing difficulty in navigating the parking lot both on foot and by vehicle.

Kyle Knudson with Knudson Construction and District Maintenance Supervisor Matt Cluck discussed options with the board.

They will work together on a solution and continue to monitor the lot throughout the rest of the school year.

It was the consensus of the board that the ruts and soft areas should be addressed first.   

The improvements are a temporary fix as the parking lot is to be chip and sealed this summer.