Plans moving forward to enhance the district
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The capital project will fund needed repairs and key improvements to school roofs, roads and heating systems. It also includes security improvements, an expanded high school library and weight room, a multi-purpose instructional room at the middle school, and upgrades to the technology infrastructure throughout the district.

According to project architect Karl Griffith, of Cataldo, Waters and Griffith Architects, the SED has expedited the approval process. Once plans have been approved, bids for these phases will be solicited from contractors in late winter with the goal of beginning construction and upgrades in the spring.

"We are well on our way," says Superintendent of Schools Dr. Oliver Robinson. "We anticipate meeting, and possibly exceeding, our timeline."

According to Robinson, the district has also hired a technology consultant to ensure the district is equipping itself for the future. By continuing to invest in technology and take advantage of emerging opportunities, Mohonasen will continue to be a leader in educational technology.

The construction of a concession stand at the high school, while not funded under the capital project, will be combined with the larger project to make it more attractive to general contractors for bidding purposes. According to Robinson, the district had hoped to complete the construction last spring, but there weren't any bids received.

Repairs and improvements

What follows is a full list of repairs and improvements.

At Bradt School: 

• Build a second exit-only access road to improve traffic.
• Reconstruct the main roof.
• Repave the existing access road.
• Convert Bradt's inefficient steam heating system with a digitally-controlled system.

At Pinewood School: 

• Create separate traffic patterns to ease traffic congestion and improve safety.
• Reconstruct the main roof.
• Resurface the gym floor.

At Draper Middle School: 

• Build a multi-purpose room to accommodate 120 to 150 students at a time for team-wide meetings, school/community groups, and Draper's growing orchestra program.

At Mohonasen High School: 

• Build a new band room and expand the drama/performing arts areas to better serve the increasing numbers of students who participate in Mohonasen's award-winning performing arts program.
• Reconfigure and expand the library to create more reading and independent work study spaces for students.
• Expand the weight room to accommodate more students who are now weight training to improve their performance on and off the playing fields.
• Redesign the front of the school to include an attractive and more prominent main entrance.
• Add exterior lighting and exterior surveillance cameras.
• Repave the entrance road and parking lots.
• Add 75 student lockers.

At the Bus Garage: 

• Improve heating and ventilation.
• Install snow guards on the roof.
• Reconstruct trench drains.
• Expand storage space.
• Install insulation in the roof.
• Replace outdated lighting and exterior door. 

Technology Upgrades: 

• Replace flat network with a multi-tiered structure.
• Increase network bandwidth to allow more use of streaming media in the classroom, electronic field trips, and live video conference capabilities with experts around the world.
• Upgrade of some workstations throughout the district.

Frequent updates on the capital project will continue to be posted here.