After careful study and discussion, the Board of Education has determined to move forward with a capital project that will provide improvements in the existing instructional areas and repairs and upgrades to infrastructure and mechanical systems. This project is reduced considerably from the twenty-nine million dollar Project II referendum that was defeated by District voters in November 2009. The base proposition for this new project is $11.4 million. This proposition includes items that are of a high priority for improving the instructional facilities and infrastructure of our campus. No new construction is proposed in this project. Instead, this project concentrates on the renovation and repair of our existing facilities.
Major renovations in the middle school/high school will take place in the technology rooms and the media center. These improvements will include the conversion of the auto shop area into a computer lab and a classroom. This new computer lab will be used by our art and technology classes which will allow other classes to utilize the existing high school and middle school computer labs. The new classroom will be utilized for our growing business curriculum.
The elementary wing will see renovations in the media center as well as improvements to the playground and surrounding area. The media center improvements will fully enclose the media center and provide several small group instructional areas. Technology improvements will also allow multiple venues for video projection in the media center. Playground improvements provide more level play areas and will extend paved play area to provide a 4 square court and small basketball court with two backboards. A level grass play area will be located west of paved area. The excavation and leveling of the playground will include proper drainage so that the new grass areas are not eroded by the weather. New access to the playground will be provided by paved walkways to the building and to the parking lot.
Improvements in the fine arts facilities will include a reconfiguration of the chorus room along with HVAC improvements and flooring, ceiling and lighting upgrades. Improvements in McCarthy Auditorium will include new lighting and sound systems as well as the replacement of the carpet and seat upholstery. The band room will also receive new flooring, lighting, and ceiling and HVAC improvements.
Physical Education facilities will be upgraded by renovations and repairs to the pool area, the mezzanine area above the large gym, ceilings and lighting in the large gym, and some equipment upgrades in the elementary gym. All of the locker room facilities will be renovated and brought into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) regulations. The present track will be resurfaced so that it is safe to use for instruction and competition.
Infrastructure and safety improvements include concrete repairs to the elementary bridge, reconstruction and reconfiguration of the traffic loops and parking lot, replacement of the emergency generator, renovation and equipment upgrades in the kitchen, and replacement of the ceilings and lighting in the cafeterias.
Two separate propositions will offer voters a choice on whether to purchase land which could be used for construction of a transportation facility and whether to expand the existing running track by two lanes.
The Board of Education and Administrative Team reflected carefully on the feedback from the community after the defeat of the Project II referendum. This new capital improvement project includes items that are in urgent need of repair and improvement and the separate propositions offer district voters a choice in pursuing property and facility enhancements. Detailed information regarding the financing of this new project will be sent to District residents in late August. Please read the information carefully and feel free to contact a board member or the superintendent with any questions.
