The Greene County School District is continuing to work with OPN Architects on the project plans to turn the current high school into the middle school.
Greene County Schools Superintendent Tim Christensen says they are looking to do additional work on the building, following the Iowa Legislature’s extension of the Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE) funds and the voter approved revenue purpose statement. Christensen notes that the project is going to increase from $1.5 million to up to $5 million.
The original plans called for moving the office area to the front of the building and making it a secured entrance, along with some other minor interior work to some of the classrooms and gym. With the additional funds, Christensen says they are going to install a fire sprinkler system and heating and cooling to the entire building.
“The scope of the project has increased the possibility of more time. We want to get into that building as soon as possible, so we’re looking at doing some phasing. Hope to bid the project (in the) January (or) February time frame.”
Christensen points out preliminary plans call for phasing the sprinkler system over three to four years. Work in the gym may be delayed and the middle school and district office work may start when the next school year begins, with the goal of having students in the building by next fall.