Summer projects fulfill promises of Prop A, Prop R

Summer projects fulfill promises of Prop A, Prop R
Posted on 08/21/2020
Bernard Middle School tennis courtsMaintenance crews have been working hard this summer to upgrade and make repairs at our schools. Several of the improvements were budgeted for as part of promises the district made to the community during the passage of Prop R in 2015 and Prop A in 2016.

While minor projects were done at schools across the district, several schools underwent major facility upgrades this summer.

Watch the video for a look at some of the completed work.
   
Bernard Middle School
Bernard Middle School is one of two schools to have a large portion of its roof replaced.
Bernard Middle School roof

“When it would rain, we would often have leaks in the gym and some of the hallways,” said Lauren Cumming, Bernard Middle School principal. “The custodians have been doing a great job of replacing tiles where water leaks occurred while we waited for the work this summer.” 

The roofing repairs at Bernard Middle were funded through Prop A. 

The tennis courts at Bernard were also the focus of work this summer.
Bernard Middle School tennis courts

“Crews are repairing the cracks in the court, smoothing them out and putting in some mesh material to make it a level surface again,” said Mike Gegg, Director of Facilities. “We will also repaint the courts and have new nettings put on as well.”

In addition to being a fixture in physical education courses, the courts are often used by the community.

“There’s not a single nice day that goes by that we don’t have community members out there using the tennis courts,” Cumming said.

Hagemann Elementary School
The largest project this summer was HVAC work at Hagemann Elementary School. Crews began working on the project during the district’s extended closure in the spring, and work has continued throughout the summer.
Hagemann Elementary HVAC
“It includes new equipment on the rooftop, new VAV (variable air volume) equipment in all of the classrooms, electric heat through the entryway and stairwell and new controls and wiring throughout the building,” Gegg said. 

The previous HVAC system was original to Hagemann Elementary, which was constructed in 1994. The new system will make a difference in the learning conditions.

“Having a new HVAC system will help our students and staff feel comfortable throughout the day while we’re learning,” said Julie Durham, Hagemann Elementary School principal. “Last year we had some situations where things weren’t working correctly, so this year we’ll be able to comfortably learn each and every day. 

The HVAC work at Hagemann Elementary was paid for using Prop R and Prop A funding.

Mehlville High School
Like Bernard Middle School, a large portion of the roof at Mehlville High School was also replaced this summer.
MHS new roof
“It’s helping areas where we had some leakage that occurred in the past,” said Jason Landherr, Mehlville High School principal. “It’s also helping us to be more energy efficient and helping us stay cool in the warmer times of year.” 

The roofing replacements mostly occurred on the south side of the building where newer additions, like the library, are connected to the original school building.

The roofing project at MHS was funded through Prop A.

Oakville High School 
Oakville High School had work done to repair a retaining wall in the football stadium.
OHS stadium retaining wall
“The retaining wall near the south bleachers failed, so it will be removed and replaced,” Gegg said. “The project also includes taking down and replacing fencing near the wall.” 

Replacing the wall will help ensure the safety of students throughout the school day and spectators at future sporting events.

“It’s really important from both a safety and aesthetic standpoint,” said Tamara Sunkett, Oakville High School principal. “We host quite a bit of our families and community for our athletic events, so we want to make sure they’re safe."

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