The construction of new Ironton school facilities is moving forward.

The Ironton Board of Education Monday night agreed to advertise for bids to demolish the old Ironton High School. Workers have spent the summer removing parts of the building that will be saved and used in the new facility, such as the auditorium ticket booth. Asbestos abatement must also be completed before the building can be demolished. The building is now off-limits to the public.

“Is it true they are not letting anyone in the building right now?” board member Kathy Kratzenberg asked.

“That is because of air quality,” superintendent Dean Nance replied.

Meanwhile, the board will open bids Sept 18 for the elementary and middle schools that are being built on Delaware Street adjacent to the existing middle school.

The board also approved a pricing plan for senior citizen tickets to athletic events. Those who show proof they are 60 years of age or older or who have a Gold Buckeye Card may be admitted to football games and other events for $3 per person.

Nance said in the past, those 55 and older were allowed into football games and other events for free. The definition of a senior citizen was later amended to include those 65 and older.

“In the past it wasn’t much of an issue. We had about 20 people show up (for free tickets),” athletic director Mark Vass said. “But then we advertised it and it became a big deal. We had 200 people showing up.”

In other matters, schools officials have given permission to the Ironton Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol and Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office to use West Ironton Elementary as a one-day training site for an emergency incident preparedness exercise.

The board also accepted a $15,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Education for its Project Lead the Way. That program allows high school students early training in various engineering fields.

The board also accepted a $2,888.75 donation from the Ironton Moose Lodge.

The next meeting will be 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25.