Photo Provided Buckeye Local School leaders approved two improvement projects, including the replacement of an obsolete phone system and some much-needed renovations to Pobolish Field at World War II Memorial Stadium in Yorkville.

DILLONVALE — More improvements are set for Buckeye Local School District facilities after officials approved a long-awaited upgrade to Pobolish Field and the replacement of a phone system that was deemed obsolete.

School board members accepted a $282,090 bid from Lancaster, Ohio-based Hickory Valley Sod Farm, LLC during the Dec. 15 meeting after previous bid attempts failed to bear fruit. Superintendent Coy Sudvary said the field at World War II Memorial Stadium in Yorkville will get a much-needed renovation in time for spring commencement exercises as well as the upcoming football season.

“We’re going to strip down the surface, re-crown it, put in a new sprinkler system, drainage system and then install new sod,” Sudvary said. “It’s been a difficult process to find a contractor to complete the project, but we are excited to work with Hickory Valley and should be ready for graduation in May.”

Officials have been seeking bids for more than two years and were pleased to see it finally gain traction.

“It’s been a two-to-three-year ordeal with bidding,” Sudvary added. “We were pleased to have two quality bidders interested in the project. They can start with the excavation when the weather breaks and it could be a six-week project depending on the project.”

The district will also update its phone system in a deal with Full-Service Network. Sudvary said the current system was outdated and the plan provided for new equipment for less than $1,800 per month, which saved some money in the process.

“The current phones were put in around 2010 or 2011 and they are obsolete,” he explained. “We’ve been having conversations with [district Technology Coordinator] J.D. Nidle and the East Central Ohio Educational Service Center, which has worked with Full Service Network. We’re going to get new equipment for the offices and classrooms. FSN will manage and monitor the phone service, and they will also install battery backups if we lose power.”

He added that the system included mobile app features and teachers may use their personal cell phones while it will display their school number for privacy.

“We are paying multiple bills and maintenance agreements with multiple companies, this will streamline our services and upgrade equipment without costing the district more money. It will actually be a small savings working with FSN. The new equipment will also provide for improved communications within the buildings, which will also provide an upgrade for safety.”

Sudvary said the phone upgrade will be paid through the general fund while the field plan is being covered by permanent improvement funds derived from oil and gas revenue.