After 22 years, Polk County High School should have new gymnasium bleachers by next school year thanks to the Polk County Board of Commissioners.

County commissioners met Nov. 17 and approved spending $63,915 to install new bleachers at the high school.

Polk County Schools Superintendent Bill Miller said inspections are done every three-four years on the bleachers, with the latest report coming in October. Miller discussed the stress on the current bleachers caused from manually pulling the bleachers in and out. Modern bleachers are electric.

Miller said replacing the bleachers has been on the school’s list of needs for some time, but have not made the priority list considering other school needs.

Commissioner chair Ted Owens said he has been asked by students if there is anything the county can do to replace the bleachers. He placed the item on the agenda last week.

Commissioners approved taking the funding out of its fund balance to contract with MasterCraft Renovation Systems, LLC out of Columbia, S.C.

Miller said it is estimated to take 60-90 days to get the bleachers made. With athletics constantly using the gym, he said, the school can’t afford to shut down the gym during the school year so the bleachers will be installed during the summer break prior to the 2015-2016 school year.