Seligman Unified School District is seeking a $2.95 million bond election to replace its old gymnasium, which was found to be structurally unsound five years ago, closed and fenced off, said Diane Pritchett, superintendent of the Yavapai County district that serves about 150 students.

Since the gym closed, elementary and middle school students have attended physical education classes at the high school and “rainy day recesses have been moved into classrooms where students don’t have the space to exercise gross motor skills,” Pritchett said.

Seligman students. Courtesy of Seligman Unified School District

“Musical programs, plays, science fair, and other extra-curricular activities have either been relocated to much smaller spaces or have been lost from our calendar,” Pritchett said.

The gym’s closing also affected middle school student athletes who practice from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

“Many of these students live great distances from the school and arrive home after 8:30 p.m.” Pritchett said.

Community functions once held in the gym, including carnivals, town meetings and summer recreation programs have also been displaced.

“Seligman Schools has been the center of activity for our small community. Replacing the gymnasium will bring space for activities for the entire community,” Pritchett said.