WINFIELD - Buffalo High School soon will start construction on bleachers for the new stadium, bringing it one step closer to completion for football season.
The Putnam County Board of Education approved a bid from Dant Clayton for $412,351 for the home section bleachers.
Superintendent Chuck Hatfield said funding the stadium is a cooperative effort from the board, community, athletic boosters and local businesses.
If all goes well, the field will be completed by the start of fall football season.
Hatfield said the school has been brainstorming ways to play if the field isn't complete. For instance, if the lighting isn't complete in time, the school is asking to play games during the day.
"This is phase one to get the field in shape to play on," Hatfield said. "There's a lot going on there, but we feel really positive about them playing their games there."
In addition to the bleachers, the district also is paying for half the cost of lighting and part of the cost for fencing, Hatfield said. The new stadium is located on the school's campus, which will be more convenient than playing at the old stadium down the road, Hatfield said.
Buffalo High School is selling personalized bricks for $100 each to help fund the project. The bricks will be laid in front of the stadium upon completion, which is projected for 2018.
Buffalo High School athletic director Pat Clark said in a previous interview that the new stadium will have seating for 2,500 people, a concession stand for both home and visitor sides, a new press box, state-of-the-art LED lighting, new locker rooms, a new weight room and an eight-lane track surrounding the field.
Sam Sentelle, board vice president, applauded the cooperative project and the help from the community.
The board also approved 47 transfers of staff. Hatfield said this was a normal amount and commended Penny Fisher, assistant superintendent for Personnel and Pupil Services, for doing an excellent job.
"We've met with every one of these people individually," Hatfield said. "There were no requests for hearings. That shows they've done their job very well and we appreciate it."
Putnam County Schools will be going on spring break next week, but the central office will remain open.
The Putnam County Schools Board of Education will meet again at 7 p.m. April 4 at board office in Winfield.
Reach Laura Haight at laura.haight@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-4843 or follow @laurahaight_ on Twitter.