In early August the Cook County I.S.D. 166 school board sent the state of Minnesota a list of projects the school intended to do if residents passed the proposed $6.5 million bonding bill in the recent election.
With the election now over and the bonding referendum passed, planning for some of the improvements is already taking place, with the school bus garage leading that list.
The $6.5 million general obligation school building Series 2017A bonds will be authorized for issuance at the Dec. 15, 2016 school board meeting.
In its list to the state, the school board identified nine places the money will be used. Regarding dollars spent, the $2 million earmarked for the science classrooms/ labs tops the list.
Two high school science labs and one middle school science room will be rehabilitated and a small addition of adjacent classroom space may be used to expand current space if it is possible.
All told the three classes total 3,600 square feet. Three prep rooms at 350 feet each (1050 sq. ft.) will also be remodeled.
The classrooms are lacking the technology to deliver the current curriculum accurately. Existing rooms are smaller than the Minnesota Department of Education recommends and there is a lack of proper storage and staff preparation areas. There is also a lack of available lab space. The infrastructure (plumbing, ventilation, electrical) is in need of replacement, as well as some of the lab equipment.
Next, the school board proposes to spend $1,160,000 on the culinary arts program. Originally, the culinary arts space was designed for something else, and along with the ventilation system, neither meets current needs or standards. The original casework needs replacing and outdated equipment is a concern for safety. Some equipment is also not fully accessible.
With the school bus garage in rough shape, the school board has set aside $710,000 to repair/replace it. The structure has settled throughout the years and no longer provides protection for the buses. Due to the settling, doors are no longer close to protecting assets from theft, vandalism, and elements. Bids will be sought for design work in December and January with construction taking place in May 2017 and the work scheduled for completion in August 2017.
Cost to sound-proof the performing arts auditorium is projected at $295,000. According to the district, the hall was built in such a way that it allows outside sounds to transfer to the interior space. As a shared space with the community, the sound intrusion limits use and creates distractions for students during its use, and it makes it harder to hear sometimes. The plan is to remove the roofing system and roof smoke doors and install new roofing designed to minimize noise. Smoke doors will be replaced with acoustic tile, and there will be an acoustic enclosure on the upper wall areas to minimize intrusion and increase insulation.
Throughout the building, the roof leaks in places. Despite short-term repairs, leaking is causing internal damage, as well as ongoing maintenance. There are also potential indoor air quality issues. It is estimated the district will spend $500,000 to fix the leaky roof.
The district is also planning to set aside $400,000 for security and technology as well as $505,000 for replacement of buses and fleet vehicles.
Also established is a budget of $400,000, which will be used for deferred maintenance. Some of this maintenance will be done to improve the energy efficiency of the facility, improve air quality, and help preserve the physical structure.
Last, $403,000 will be used to purchase new furniture, fixtures and equipment and $100,000 will go towards financing expenses.
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