A Note From Dr. Roach

Through the district’s ability to secure federal low interest funds, our students will begin to see changes in our facilities when they return to school in August. Much of the work will be duplicated at the elementaries and jr. sr. high schools. However, due to separate bidding processes and slight differences in our elementary building footprints, there will be some variations in the projects.

The work at the elementary schools involves removal of the original carpeting in the hallways and the carpeting in the cafeterias, which will be replaced with terrazzo flooring. Wall coverings in these areas have been removed and will receive an update which allows for ease in maintenance. Upgrades in the HVAC system are in progress, with an anticipated completion date this fall. New exterior doors, security systems, and an improved office area are additional features each elementary school will receive. Fire alarms, intercom systems, and a sprinkler system at NDE will also be features of the projects.

Plumbing concerns at our high school buildings are beginning to be addressed through the use of our federal loans. Initial work at NDHS began a few months ago as deteriorating pipes were replaced in the front of the building. This work has continued as part of the kitchen floor was removed in an effort to correct plumbing issues that have arisen over time. New walk-in freezers are being added to the kitchens within both high school kitchens, 43 year-old boilers have been removed and have been replaced by high efficiency units. Chillers at all buildings are being installed, and SDHS will see new gym heating units added this summer. As with the elementaries, the jr. sr. high schools will have new fire alarm and intercom systems. An updated building entrance and office area will allow for better security of the buildings and newly renovated restrooms in the front portion of the buildings will be in place. We hope to see security changes at all doors as well as camera systems.  Many of these changes within our high schools will be on-going throughout the first semester of the new year.

In addition to our improvements through federal loans, the high schools will now begin to see the inclusion of new science wings.  Through traditional bond proceeds students will have access to the future use of five new classrooms.  Dependent upon bidding outcomes, the final space will ultimately house two complete science classroom/labs, preparation area, a transitional science lab/classroom and two traditional classroom spaces.  With the introduction of up-to-date equipment and facilities, students at DCCS will be given the opportunities found elsewhere to enhance educational rigor and knowledge.

A second portion of the latest efforts will be football bleachers and a pressbox at the high schools.  While bidding is in the near future, the numerous steps required in acquiring these facilities will necessitate patience.  The intent is to gain facilities at optimum pricing which will be another factor that dictates completion.

This will be a less-than-normal beginning to our school year.  However, it is also a time to look forward, both to the educational opportunities provided to our students by a great school community and to the facility improvements that will be realized over the coming months, both of which go hand-in-hand.  We continue to ask you to excuse the mess as the district moves forward in making Decatur County Community Schools better for current and future students.