And just like that, another school year is in the books. The last few days have been a whirlwind of activities, with field days, final exams, farewell assemblies, field trips, learning exhibitions, and playoff games helping to transition students and staff from a busy school year to the upcoming summer break.
Many thanks for the support shown by stakeholders this week in approving the school and campus plan. Since 2019, four designs for four separate locations have been developed by architects, ad hoc committees, and Boards to reach the outcome that finally came to fruition at the polls. Though there were (and continue to be) different perspectives on this project, and the components contained within, it is now time to start the important work of aligning the campus for the foreseeable future. Whether you supported the plan or not, please know that the district will do everything possible to ensure that the final product is a source of pride for the entire community.
It is too early to have many details, but there are some initial steps that will begin over the next few weeks, such as closing on the half-acre of property that was part of the bond, working with the architects to develop a complete project schedule, and forming a building committee. As the project is multi-dimensional, there will be several phases of design refinement and construction that will occur over the next three years to address the new school facility, parking and traffic upgrades, maintenance building, MIW addition and upgrades, and turf field. I am relieved that we finally have a permanent plan to address current and projected enrollment increases after five years of planning and delays. It's been needed for some time now and I am thankful that the community responded affirmatively.
The summer break provides us needed time to deep clean all our facilities and make important annual improvements that are part of the district's ongoing Facilities Plan, as funded through capital reserves. This summer, some of these improvements include adding daylight windows to the GHS cafeteria, improving the GHS outdoor courtyard where students eat, replacing several worn and outdated doors at GHS for enhanced security, replacing the GMS lobby and MIW main hallway floor tile, and repainting a large number of classrooms and common spaces in all schools. Additionally, the $1.5 million MIW Revolving Renovation project approved by voters in 2022, to which the district received $770,000 in state funding, will replace about 40% of all exterior windows and doors at the school. HVAC systems in several MIW common areas have previously been upgraded as part of this project.
Please note that this will be the last regular district newsletter until the beginning of the 2024-25 school year. Many wishes for a relaxing and enjoyable summer!