The bad news is that this year’s HHS basketball seniors won’t get a chance to play on the court at the Hennessey Event Center, also known as The Dome, because it won’t be ready in time.

The good news: 2020 seniors will get to have their prom and their graduation ceremonies in the facility.

Mark Kavis of Wynn Construction gave that news to the Hennessey Board of Education at the board’s Dec. 9 meeting.

“We will be done with the scope of construction work Jan. 19,” he told the board, “and then on Feb.19 we will come up with our punch list.”

School Superintendent Dr. Mike Woods told the board they would also have an open house once the facility is complete.

“The retractable bleachers are being installed now,” said Kavis.

Work on the wooden gym floors was to start Thursday.

Kavis said all work inside the facility would have to stop when they start to paint the floors because there can be no dust in the air.

“It’s a three-week process to put in the floors,” he said. “It will take 15 days to get it sealed.”

The board had hoped the Eagles would be able to play their first home game in the new facility, but delays in seating shipments and other problems have changed the opening date.

The $8.4 million, two-story facility will seat 1,711 and includes basketball/volleyball courts, locker rooms, training and therapy rooms, and coaching offi ces.

It will also be the new home for administration offices and will also serve as a safe room for middle school and high school students.

Valuations are up, gross production down

Woods told the board that the district’s valuation this year is $87 million, compared with $72 million last year.

“Gross production income is down every month,” said Woods in his financial report, “but we’re in decent shape thanks to our $3.5 million fund balance. So when things get tighter we’re going to be better prepared to deal with them.”

Teachers of the Month

Woods announced the December Teachers of the Month: elementary school, Stacy Ward, fourth grade teacher, and mid-high schools, Marie Parrish, high school social studies.

All board members were present for the meeting: President Patrick Griffi n; Vice President Dr. James Matousek, Clerk Luke Lough, Joe Garrison and Cristopher Choate.

Griffin went unopposed last month for the board opening and got another five-year term on the board.

Also at the board table was Timberly Jech, offi ce manager, and Woods.

Staff in the audience were Matt Means, middle school counselor/assistantprincipal/coach, and Todd Cameron, computer technician and network administrator.