How did the buildings get so bad? Did the District ignore repairs?
No, in fact, the opposite is true. District maintenance staff continue to do their best to keep the schools safe and in the best shape possible. This includes spending thousands of dollars each year on basic and “Band-Aid” repairs to expensive, outdated systems that no longer function efficiently. However, due to space shortages and the building's effective lifespan, most repairs are no longer enough. The high school and elementary school are not ADA accessible. The district uses every square foot in each of the buildings. Continuing to spend money on repairs and makeshift modifications is not the best use of district dollars. The most cost-efficient, fiscally responsible action is to consider a long-term facility plan that accommodates the district for the next 50 years.
More to come!