The Russell County School Board met for the last regular session this year and they approved changes and payments related to the on-going construction at the auditorium/natatorium project.

State required safety equipment at the pool were responsible for adding $12,024 to the cost of the pool. Superintendent Scott Pierce said the change had started as a $40,000 expense but they were able to accomplish the same thing for less.

Another added charge was $45,749 for new bleachers. The original cost for the bleachers was about $70,000 Pierce said. That price, he explained, was why that was not approved on the original bid. After discussions with other suppliers the lower priced alternative was found and has been approved.

A $5,774 change was okayed to prevent the kind of problems experienced with the lighting of the flag at the Russell Springs Elementary project.

Almost $72,000 in payments were approved for contractors on that project during the meeting.

Also approved were the contracts with other school districts for teaching non-resident students as well as school trips.