Proposed Projects

Improving indoor air quality through ventilation and air conditioning

Air conditioning was the no. 1 priority for people who spoke at information sessions held in 2021 and through surveys. This plan calls for replacing a patchwork of portable and window units so that every school has building-wide air conditioning. Meeting that goal requires upgrades to outdated electrical and plumbing systems, some of which date to original construction. 

• Modern Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Ventilation (HVAC) systems pull in fresh air and filter it for better air circulation, creating healthier learning environments.

• More than temperature control, HVAC systems are helpful for people who have asthma or allergies. 

Research shows how drastically an 80-degree day reduces the ability to learn, as Superintendent Dr. Paul Padalino explained during our virtual forum. Watch that segment at the 35-minute mark of this recording. 

Replacing windows, roofing and other areas to preserve our buildings

Window replacements are proposed for the Edson, Graves, and Myer (the 1959 building) Elementary Schools, and every exterior window at Bailey Middle School. A drive past John F. Kennedy (JFK)  Elementary School shows the dramatic improvement that window replacements can have on the look of a building; newer windows also improve energy efficiency. At our virtual forum April 26, KCSD’s architect described windows as part of the “building envelope.” To hear how that influences energy efficiency, watch the recording and advance to timestamp 01:02. 

Modernizing the entrances at several schools would make them more secure for staff and students, while also more welcoming for visitors. They would be similar to what KHS and some elementary buildings have now. Those renovations would include upgraded exterior doors and remodeled interior lobbies. 

Additional exterior projects include restoring masonry at George Washington Elementary School to prevent water from getting into cracks and installing new roofing for the 5th and 6th grade wing of Bailey. At Myer, wood soffits have deteriorated beyond what another coat of paint would solve; the proposition calls for metal to provide adequate protection from the elements.

Upgrading restrooms, most of which are original to the building

Many KCSD restrooms were part of original building construction and haven’t had more than cosmetic upgrades.

The proposition calls for restroom modernizations including barrier-free access features, improved ventilation and low-flow water mechanics at Chambers, Edson, Graves and Myer Elementary Schools and at Bailey and Miller Middle Schools. 

Ofe Clarke, senior associate with the architectural firm KSQ Design, reviewed how plumbing upgrades and barrier-free access are part of the proposed renovations. To hear that segment of our virtual forum, watch the recording and advance to timestamp 52:30. 

Continuing the District’s mission to improve barrier-free access

Renovations come with the opportunities to improve access for everyone. In this proposition, that means new interior doors that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, as well as ADA-compliant hardware and handrails along interior stairways at numerous schools. Sidewalk and pavement projects at most schools would make it easier for people to navigate on crutches, with a walker or in a wheelchair. Additionally, the plan includes:

• A Wall Street ramp at George Washington

• A new elevator at George Washington and a better elevator at Miller

• Portable lifts for the cafetoriums stages at Graves and JFK, and a covered ramp to the modular classroom in the courtyard at Graves

• Science room improvements at Miller, including ADA-compliant countertops, sinks and appliances, as well as ramps to replace the steps that lead outside

Solving parking/traffic flow issues and addressing paving/sidewalks

Compared to when our schools were built, there are many more staff members traveling between buildings and many more support staff members working on-site every day. Those older parking lot configurations no longer meet today’s demands. Lack of adequate parking means that vehicles overflow into neighborhood streets.

• At Bailey, parking lot extensions would help solve a shortage of about 80 spaces. The upper parking lot, sidewalks and curbs would be refurbished.

• Chambers, Crosby, Edson, Myer, and Miller would also gain additional parking spaces, as well as improved sidewalks and better drainage where problems exist.

• At Graves, a new traffic flow would enhance safety and efficiency by providing separate lanes for parents and buses. The entryway and its canopy would also be widened and refurbished, and sidewalk upgrades would be helpful for people with limited mobility.

With strategic planning, KCSD can add parking within existing property lines by using perimeters and open space. No tree removals are expected.

The proposition focuses not just on adding parking spaces, but also making it easier and safer for pedestrians and vehicles to navigate around the buildings. Past work at JFK and Miller accomplished this.

These proposed improvements were summarized at the 47-minute mark of our virtual forum by Ofe Clarke, senior associate with the architectural firm KSQ Design. 

Renovating outdated auditoriums and elementary school stages

KCSD auditoriums and cafetoriums provide more than a place for students to showcase the performing arts. They are gathering spaces for all-school assemblies and can be used by other organizations. Keeping them in comfortable and functioning condition is part of this proposition.

• Theatrical lighting at Chambers would modernize the stage use of its cafetorium.

• A full restoration of the historic theater at GW is proposed to include a refurbished ceiling, fresh coat of paint and new seats.

• Bailey’s auditorium would get a complete overhaul including 625 new seats, rigging to secure lights, curtains and other equipment, and a modern sound booth. KCSD already completed a similar project at Miller.