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The Austin Public Schools Board Monday night approved the solicitation of bids for the reconstruction of the Paulson Courts tennis complex, part of a larger package of projects slated for this summer.

According to Executive Director of Finance and Operations Todd Lechtenberg, in a presentation to the board Monday, bids are expected back at the end of February and in the beginning of March the issue will come back to the board in order to approve a bid as well as approve the other three projects.

Base cost for the courts is expected to come in at around $630,000 and $700,000, though that could change the closer to the project.

A potential benefit of the project is that because the school uses the courts for physical education classes alongside the Packer tennis teams and public use, a lease/levy can be used to pay for the project.

“It allows us to pay for this project over the next 10 years,” Lechtenberg said. “It frees up long term maintenance facility funds.”

However, a full tax impact will not be determined until the levy is reviewed during the next year’s process.

If approved, construction on the courts could begin in May with an estimated completion in August.