(KNZA)--Proposals are being sought for replacement of the track facility at Atchison County Schools USD 377.

The Board of Education last week approved a request for proposals for demolition and reconstruction of the district’s eight-lane track. The project also includes resurfacing the long-jump and triple-jump runways and reconstructing the concession stand area.

Bids are due October 5th, with a contract expected to be awarded October 14th. Construction is scheduled to begin in May and be completed by August 15th, 2027.

School officials say the current track has become a safety concern and needs to be replaced.

The district plans to finance the project through a lease-purchase agreement. In May, the board approved an additional two mills of capital outlay authority for ten years to help fund the project.