KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — New improvements are coming to some schools in Kalamazoo.
At their meeting Thursday night the Kalamazoo Public School Board approved funding for all the school improvements that will be made this summer. The $6-million dollars they plan to spend comes from a bond issue approved by voters in 2018.
Interim Superintendent Gary Start says they will be replacing a dozen school buses that have passed their useful life in miles and years.
“It’s critical that our buses are safe, and you get beyond 10 years it really, they’ve exceeded their useful life. So we regularly replace them,” Start explained.
Many renovations will also continue at Loy Norrix High School.
It includes exterior projects like replacing all of the parking lots, installing drywells, replacing concrete walks, stairs, curbs and gutters, separating bus and visitor parking, and sport improvements like relocating the softball field, and replacing the track and tennis courts. Interior projects at Loy Norrix include replacing the kitchen elevator, replacing classroom flooring, installing infrastructure for classroom a/v systems, replacing the pool boiler, and adding ventilation to the pool spectator seating area. Select stairways will also be fixed to be more accessible for the disabled.
At The Woodward School for Technology and Research some of those improvements include new corridor lockers at the Alternative Learning Program who currently use coat hooks. The project will provide metal lockers for all students at both schools.
There are also plans to reinstall existing cameras and install new cameras at the remodeled Phoenix High School.
Board President Patti Sholler-Barber says safety is a top priority, “It is so important we care very very much about the security and safe-keeping of our children.” That’s why they plan to upgrade security around the district.
At Arcadia Elementary School the bond will fund interior projects like installing a secure vestibule at the main entry, remodeling student restrooms near the gym, replacing the public address system, and replacing the clock system. Exterior projects include replacing the asphalt basketball and tennis courts, replacing the exterior sign, adding concrete sidewalks at the bus loop, and installing concrete for accessible route to playground areas.
Upgrades are also expected this summer at Greenwood Elementary School. Those include replacing basketball court asphalt and fencing, replacing the boilers, installing a secure vestibule, and installing a new sidewalk with walkway lighting from the parking lot to the front entrance near the office.
All of these upgrades are expected to be made this summer.
