Construction Update – Phase Two Begins

The capital project that residents approved in March 2023 quickly moved into phase two where plans have been finalized, and construction has begun. You will start to see construction trailers with temporary fencing popping up on some school campuses, as well as changes in parking lots as staging areas are defined. Construction will occur year-round over the next three years.

Safety and security is the number one priority during construction and every day. Each school’s entrance has been upgraded to include a more secure double-door vestibule. Intruder locks have been installed in large assembly areas and emergency generators have been installed at schools that previously weren’t equipped with them (Jefferson Road, Mendon Center and Park Road Elementary Schools).

Each elementary school will have unutilized rooms repurposed to improve space utilization. New spaces will be dedicated to mental health and counseling services, and for more efficient storage. Allen Creek’s gymnasium roof will also be recoated to prevent leaks.

The secondary schools will receive the bulk of the renovations which have already begun – ahead of schedule. Here’s an overview of what to expect:

Mendon High School

A two-story addition for science and language classrooms will be built on the north side of the building. The existing science classrooms will be renovated for safety purposes and will align with the Sutherland High School facilities.

The main office and mental health suite will be remodeled. Certain spaces will be repurposed to accomplish this.

The gymnasium vestibule and entrance corridor along with the auditorium lobby will receive new flooring. Additional doors with card reader access to limit access to the building during athletic events will be added.  Additionally, the team room will be renovated.

Outdoors, the existing tennis courts will be removed and replaced with new courts. Restrooms and team rooms will be added to the stadium, and drainage will be improved in the baseball outfield. Lastly, the existing flag pole will replaced.

Sutherland High School

Sutherland’s sewer lines will be replaced after many years of issues. Sanitary work will be conducted in the crawl space and the generator will be replaced.

The old tennis courts will be refurbished and converted to pickleball courts, new tennis courts will be constructed, and drainage improvements will be made to the outfield of the baseball and softball fields.

Barker Road Middle School

The most significant work will be done to Barker Road Middle School. The cafeteria and kitchen areas will be reconfigured to provide a more open “commons” space for students.

Classrooms will be added throughout the school in spaces that used to be the small gym, and existing technology area. The pool will be converted into a multiple purpose room with some space allocated to the new cafeteria/serving area. The band room and large group instruction room will be relocated and renovated to better match what’s available at Calkins Road Middle School. Renovations will also be made to the main office, mental health and nurses’ suites.

Tennis courts will be removed and replaced with a track-like surface for physical education classes and team practices.

If you visit any of our campuses, please abide by the revised parking areas and follow all posted signage for your safety. We look forward to seeing our schools transformed and updated as these projects progress.