Assistant Editor Jerry Lindsey wrote the report.
Superintendent Dr. Matthew DeBaene presented the proposed facility updates that are forthcoming this summer. Construction projects will consist of massive upgrades in all school facilities. Summer entrance by non-construction personnel will not be allowed. The following updates will begin at the end of the normal school year and be completed in time for the 2026-2027 school year opening in September.
Upgrades will total over $8,546,000. Funding will draw from the Health Life Safety Fund, sales tax revenue, and bonds.
The following projects will be completed this summer. A special Open House will be offered prior to the opening of the 2026-2027 school year, allowing the community an opportunity to view the improvements. The proposed upgrades follow.
MORRISON HIGH SCHOOL
- Replace ceiling and LED lighting on the lower level, 1st. floor and 2nd floor
- Replace flooring in the main corridors on the 1st and 2nd floors
- Replace the pool locker room and kitchen domestic water heaters and storage tanks
- Upgrade the electrical distribute panels and panelboards
- Add additional electrical receptacles in several classrooms
- Install additional LED lighting, safety platforms, ladders, and railings in the mechanical rooms
- Replace existing wood supports and roof-mounted natural gas piping with new supports
- Replace the auditorium curtains and rigging
- Upgrade the gymnasium, which includes a new acoustical ceiling, upgrade LED lighting, refinish the hardwood flooring, repair masonry, add a center screen divider, and digital clocks
- Expand the rear parking lot from 185 to 210 stalls and renovate the driveway paving.
MORRISON JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
- Replace three domestic water heaters and recirculating pumps
- Replace wood supports for roof-mounted natural gas piping with engineered supports
- Replace windows in the 1959 section with tinted, insulated windows and aluminum frames
- Install safety railings and ladders in the mezzanines
- Replace three sets of exterior double doors with a new storefront system
- Improve site drainage by adding underground piping for downspouts.
SOUTHSIDE ELEMENTARY
- Replace two domestic water heaters
- Install new flooring in classrooms, offices, gymnasium, and cafeteria
- Renovate restrooms to be ADA compliant; including new ceilings, lights, plumbing fixtures, partitions, epoxy floors, and roof-mounted exhaust fans
- Add exterior LED lighting wall packs on the front of the building for safety
- Improve site drainage by installing underground pipping for downspouts.
NORTHSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
- Replace three domestic water heaters
- Renovate restrooms with new ceiling, lighting, partitions, ADA plumbing fixtures, epoxy flooring, and exhaust fans
- Add new LED wall packs to the door for the Music Classroom/Storage Area
- Install new flooring and wall base in the South classrooms
- Replace original building windows and doors to the playground.