Summer construction projects and updates on-going

As summer break approaches its halfway point, construction projects and summer updates are in full swing throughout the Bartlesville Public School District.

At Richard Kane Elementary School, progress on the early childhood education center addition continues to move forward. At a recent Bartlesville Board of Education meeting, Scott Ambler, of Ambler Architects, stated the work has moved inside the building and most exterior work is now complete. The addition is expected to be completed prior to the start of the 2013-2014 school year.

Construction on the secured entrance at Hoover Elementary School has started. As students and teachers return in August, visitors will be required to enter the building through the main office. Hoover is the final elementary school without a secured entrance. Completion of the project will signify an important achievement for BPSD as each elementary school will have a secured entrance.

Work on the new concession stand at Custer Stadium is ongoing. The project began approximately one month ago and is expected to be completed before the start of the Bruin football season.

Other projects of note include the re-surfacing of the parking lot at Bartlesville Mid-High School and Hoover as well as roof projects at Jane Phillips Elementary School, Ranch Heights Elementary School and the maintenance/transportation building. The projects are expected to be complete before the return of students and staff.

The district technology department is also hard at work refreshing computers and software throughout the district. Each summer, aging computers are phased out and refreshed with new equipment. BPSD utilizes computers for approximately seven years before replacement.

There are various other minor projects that will continue to take place throughout the district during the summer months. A majority of construction projects and updates are being funded through the August 2012 bond issue. Bond funds allow the district to complete projects that would otherwise not be possible as part of the district’s annual operating budget.