McPherson — The McPherson USD 418 school board on Monday accepted a $93,529 donation and authorized construction of a javelin runway at McPherson High School, approving the capital campaign committee’s recommendation by a 7‑0 vote.

Capital campaign committee member Carol Swanson told the board the campaign initially set a goal of $1,000,000 and had raised $1,018,362. An unexpected $50,000 gift from donor George Apostol and other gifts brought the campaign total to $1,111,891, Swanson said. The committee reported $88,157 in cash and $7,000 in pledges specifically designated for the javelin runway; the low bid from Hutton to build the runway was $93,529.

“This summer, an unexpected donor came forward… his support of $50,000 contributed to this project,” Swanson said, recounting the donor’s offer. The board motion on Monday asked the district to accept the donation and authorize the capital campaign to proceed with construction and the committee’s selected contractor. The motion carried unanimously.

Some board members cautioned about beginning construction before long‑range facility planning is finished. Board member Chelsea Busch said she did not want the board to feel “pressured into doing something” before the district finalizes facility plans. Campaign leaders and district staff said the bid is a design‑build proposal valid for 30 days and that delaying could risk losing the price and the pledged funds. The committee said the donor’s contribution and confirmed pledges were specifically designated for the runway and would be refunded if the board declined the project.

Committee members described the planned location and technical details: the runway would be a permanent, concrete strip adjacent to an existing practice area and would be surfaced in spring after concrete curing. The committee said the project should not displace existing soccer or practice use; the landing area would remain available and the runway itself would be limited to javelin marks at events.

The board’s action recorded the approval of the donation and authorization to proceed; the board did not separately commit district capital funds for the project. The campaign indicated Hutton would begin work after the necessary signatures and permitting and that surfacing could be completed before the next track season if weather allowed.

The board vote was recorded as unanimous in favor; no individual roll-call names were provided on the record.