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Members of the Chesaning Sports Boosters and other supporters plan to attend Monday's evening's board meeting to listen to the district's plan for replacing the dilapidated structure, which has been deemed unsafe by an engineering firm.

After a recent biennial inspection, Foresite Design, Inc. reported that the bleachers at Chesaning High School pose a safety threat and recommended that they no longer be used without extensive permanent repair.Superintendent Kathy Stewart said she and several district staff members have been researching the district's options since she received the inspection report last week.

Discussion about seeking bids for the bleacher demolition is on Monday's meeting agenda. Stewart said she was aware that sports boosters planned to attend the meeting to express their concern about the issue.

"I believe the board cares deeply about this situation and it will be given careful consideration at Monday night's board meeting," she said. "We all knew it was a matter of time before we were going to be faced with this kind of evaluation.

"Currently the first four rows of the bleachers are being used by spectators at track and field events, and adult staff members are allowed to use the press box. The rest of the structure is barricaded to prevent public use.Last October, the Bleacher Creatures, a non-profit fundraising organization, held a golf outing and dinner to raise money for the bleacher replacement project. Since then, organizers have continued to seek grant funding and donations.

The deteriorated state of the bleachers has been a community concern for several years. Built in 1963, the structure is not ADA compliant. Open gaps between rows pose a hazard to spectators, especially young children. The foundation is rising out of the ground and pulling up the concrete.

Stewart said the cost of repairing the bleachers is nearly the same as building a new seating complex, approximately $400,000. The sports boosters would like to see additional improvements made to the track and stadium complex that would add to that price tag.

The district chief said the bleachers play an important role in community morale and school spirit.

Not replacing the structure would mean a loss of revenue for the district as well as the sports boosters and local businesses that benefit from the crowds attending athletic and community events.

"The stadium is a gathering place for thousands of people each year. Students and spectators who attend sporting events are creating lasting memories and making connections to our community. We recognize the far-reaching impact of this situation," Stewart said.

The Chesaning Board of Education will meet on Monday, April 21 at Brady Elementary School, 17295 Hemlock Rd., Oakley, at 7 p.m.