(KAIR)--The Effingham USD 377 Board of Education has approved bids for new stage lighting and audio equipment for the high school auditorium. 

At the board’s March 11 meeting, members approved bids totaling $271,432 for the project. The Atchison County Community Foundation will contribute $216,800 toward the overall cost. Funding for the upgrade is assisted through the Valentine Day two-show appearance of the Hughes Brothers, from Branson, Missouri. Tickets to last month's performances were sold to benefit the auditorium. 

In other action, the board agreed to seek bids for a complete rebuild of the high school track, along with renovations to the stadium bleachers, including upgrades to make the seating ADA accessible. 

The board also approved a junior high schedule proposal that would place physical education classes at the end of the school day for all junior high students. The change will allow junior high sports practices to take place during the school day, but practices must conclude by the end of the school day.