Thursday, Jul. 03, 2008

District to spend $4M in bond money on upgrades this summer

Out of the Olathe school district’s $138 million bond package that passed last October, about $4 million of that will be used for construction this summer.

New roofing, a lot of new concrete, some HVAC systems and lighting fixtures are being added to the schools and support facilities.

But about “78 percent” of what is left for construction will be left until next summer or further down the line, said Jim Houghton, executive director of operations and facilities.

“It takes a lot of time for new construction to start,” Houghton said. “Basically anything being done this summer is delayed maintenance.”

Houghton said the most noticeable difference in district buildings probably will be seen at Meadow Lane and Westview elementary schools.

Both had new sets of windows installed. Some schools have received lighting fixtures, an improvement Houghton said should eventually save the district money.

“They’ll notice a difference especially with the windows,” Houghton said. “...We’re constantly trying to be more energy efficient. You take lighting fixtures from about 20 to 25 years ago out and we should get some money back on those utility bills.”

The buildings also got new flooring, an upgrade from what was previously there, Houghton said.

“It enhances school for the people that are there,” Houghton said. “They will look closer to what other schools in the district look like. It’s new color, new material. It gives it a more modernistic look.”

Houghton said plans for next year likely will include more extensive construction projects.

The board will continue to set bids related to additions to Countryside, Manchester Park and Indian Creek elementary schools, he said.

The bond package passed by a 65 percent vote last October. It was placed on a mail-in ballot with the written purpose of paying for “immediate growth needs, refurbishing of aging schools and technology.”

Out of the $11.9 million dedicated to technology: phase one of Digital Classroom installation was set to conclude at the end of June, said Rita Lyon, executive director of technology. The installation was completed in elementary schools built before 2003.

Phase 2 of digital classroom installations should be complete by December.

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