construction cone

The Pioneer Board of Education approved a new round of capital improvements at its March 15 regular meeting and set a voting date of Tuesday, May 17—the same day as the annual budget vote and board election.

The latest capital project totals $28,645,000, most of which would be state-reimbursed.  The district is currently in the final year of its 2020 capital improvement plan.

Under the new proposal, the district plans to use some of the Covid-relief funds it received via the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) to construct at the high school/middle school athletic facilities area a more private restroom facility with fully enclosed, gender-neutral single occupancy restrooms along with improved ventilation and touchless fixtures including an exterior hand washing station.

Some of the other highlights: 

• Additional work in the high school auditorium, including new seating, flooring, house and theatrical lighting, sound system, wall and ceiling finishes including acoustical system, sound/projection booth and main stage curtain.

• Upgrades to the high school art rooms and corridors.

• Improvements to the middle school science rooms and restrooms.

• Renovation of Arcade Elementary School kindergarten and 1st grade classrooms and Media Center.

• A secured front entrance vestibule is anticipated to be installed at the Delevan Elementary School.

• A new HVAC system at Delevan, including classroom ventilation closet units, new ceilings to accommodate a new heating system, and up to six mechanical room additions. Other HVAC improvements are anticipated to include a new ventilation system in the high school Instructional Barn, gas boilers at the high school and middle school, and a new high school kitchen freezer.

Proposed site work is anticipated to include athletic stadium enhancements at the high school including new synthetic turf and infill, additional bleachers, concrete walks, fencing, a relocated pole vault and long/triple jump event areas, public address system upgrades, and energy‐efficient LED field lighting.

If funding allows, work could focus on high school student restrooms and middle school faculty restrooms, among other possible additions.

If approved the district would use just over $3 million from its Capital Construction Reserve Fund  toward the project.

The project is designed to have a zero tax impact on residents.