A $156 million middle school is under construction in rural Maine. What’s behind the price tag?
-- Yahoo News Maine: 07/06/2025 [
abstract]
-- Yahoo News Maine: 07/06/2025 [
abstract] RSU 14 Superintendent Chris Howell stepped through damp soil imprinted with tire treads from large construction vehicles as machinery whirred and beeped on a stretch of land near Sebago Lake. In a few years, the site will be home to a nearly $156 million middle school.
Howell said the project is necessary because one of the district’s two middle schools, a nearly 50-year-old building in Windham, has reached the end of its life and isn’t large enough to fit all its students: classrooms are too small and no longer meet the state standard for instruction, and the 1977 air and construction standards used for the original build are no longer sufficient. There is also little space for special education services like speech therapy.
“It also gave us an opportunity. Jordan-Small Middle School is a 1964 building, and those students will be consolidating in as well,” he said, referencing the district’s second middle school in Raymond. “For the first time, we’ll be able to offer equal programming to students in both Windham and Raymond.”
-- Kristian Moravec - Maine Monitor
-- Kristian Moravec - Maine Monitor
Bond-powered construction season is underway at Oregon schools
-- Oregon Public Broadcasting Oregon: 07/04/2025 [ abstract]
-- Oregon Public Broadcasting Oregon: 07/04/2025 [
abstract] With summer officially underway, students are out of the classroom and construction crews are in. The race is on to renovate buildings, improve security systems and upgrade student and community spaces before kids return to class later this summer.
The vast majority of construction projects taking place at districts throughout Oregon are fueled by voter-approved local bond measures. Some of those bonds are backed by additional funding from the state.
On Oregon’s central coast, the Lincoln County School District has already started work on a variety of remodels and renovations across its facilities. Some of the district’s summer projects will be funded by a successful bond measure from last May’s special election. Voters there approved the $73 million construction bond by a wide margin.
“The roof at Crestview Heights down in Waldport needs to be replaced,” said LCSD Superintendent Majalise Tolan. “That needed to happen if we passed the bond or not. So we’ve already done the bid work to be able to get that project started.”
The district is also moving forward with plans to expand career and technical education spaces, as well as the construction of new bathrooms and theaters.
-- Tiffany Camhi
-- Tiffany Camhi
Gov. Phil Scott has signed Vermont’s education bill into law. Here’s what happens next.
-- Valley News Vermont: 07/04/2025 [ abstract]
Gov. Phil Scott on Tuesday signed a landmark education reform bill into law, laying the groundwork for a historic transformation of Vermont’s public education system.
“While this session was long and difficult and uncomfortable for some, we were able to come together and chart a path towards a system that better serves our kids and one that taxpayers can afford,” Scott said, surrounded by top legislative leaders and other dignitaries, before signing the bill.
He noted, however, that the legislation was “just the beginning,” and work to continue public education reform in future legislative sessions “will be just as difficult and just as important as what we did this spring.”
The signing marks a significant political milestone for the Republican governor, now in his fifth term, who used electoral gains in the state’s Republican Party in November to set the tone for education reform. While the ambitious plan that Education Secretary Zoie Saunders set before lawmakers in January was not adopted wholecloth, what came to Scott’s desk contained similar elements.
Over months of contentious debate this session inside committee rooms and both chambers, Scott put pressure on the Legislature’s Democratic leaders to press on with reforms he wanted, even through deep disagreement within their own caucus.
But lawmakers at the signing lauded what they called a bipartisan achievement.
-- Corey McDonald - VTDigger
-- Valley News Vermont: 07/04/2025 [
abstract] Gov. Phil Scott on Tuesday signed a landmark education reform bill into law, laying the groundwork for a historic transformation of Vermont’s public education system.
“While this session was long and difficult and uncomfortable for some, we were able to come together and chart a path towards a system that better serves our kids and one that taxpayers can afford,” Scott said, surrounded by top legislative leaders and other dignitaries, before signing the bill.
He noted, however, that the legislation was “just the beginning,” and work to continue public education reform in future legislative sessions “will be just as difficult and just as important as what we did this spring.”
The signing marks a significant political milestone for the Republican governor, now in his fifth term, who used electoral gains in the state’s Republican Party in November to set the tone for education reform. While the ambitious plan that Education Secretary Zoie Saunders set before lawmakers in January was not adopted wholecloth, what came to Scott’s desk contained similar elements.
Over months of contentious debate this session inside committee rooms and both chambers, Scott put pressure on the Legislature’s Democratic leaders to press on with reforms he wanted, even through deep disagreement within their own caucus.
But lawmakers at the signing lauded what they called a bipartisan achievement.
-- Corey McDonald - VTDigger
Springfield's Glickman School latest to receive $5M HVAC upgrades
-- New England Public Media Massachusetts: 07/04/2025 [ abstract]
-- New England Public Media Massachusetts: 07/04/2025 [
abstract] A Springfield elementary school will receive $5 million in ventilation upgrades as part of a state grant program.
The Glickman School in the Sixteen Acres neighborhood is the latest of about a dozen across the city to receive, or are slated to receive, a modern HVAC system in recent years.
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno said while several new schools have opened in the city, it still has been a priority to upgrade some of the older ones, to provide a conducive learning environment.
"My administration has been very aggressive with the schools to get them retrofitted with the HVAC, which gives a much improved and healthier environment for the students, teachers and staff," the mayor said.
Sarno said times have changed since he went through the Springfield Public Schools and that keeping classrooms comfortable is important for students’ learning.
“We didn’t have any of that,” he said. “You opened the window, you closed the window, you had the old radiators, but it makes for a much better learning environment.”
The mayor added that with most of the projects, Springfield has received about 80 percent funding from the state for the HVAC upgrades, with the city paying for the rest.
-- Adam Frenier
-- Adam Frenier
DOE Faces Big Funding Shortfall For School Repairs And Construction
-- Honolulu Civil Beat Hawaii: 07/03/2025 [ abstract]
-- Honolulu Civil Beat Hawaii: 07/03/2025 [
abstract] At Kealakehe Elementary School on the Big Island, functioning bathrooms are hard to find.
Students travel across campus to reach working toilets — sometimes resulting in embarrassing accidents — and poor plumbing has led to sewage leaking through classroom ceilings, according to more than a dozen pages of testimony from parents and teachers at a recent Board of Education meeting.
“My second-grade child now feels anxious every day at school — not because of tests or social pressures, but because they worry about having an accident due to the long walk to the only available restroom,” parent Linsi Nuzum wrote to the board.
Kealakehe Elementary could see some improvements later this year as the education department works on fixing the plumbing in one of its buildings, according to a statewide facilities dashboard. But similar repair projects may be harder for the department to fund and execute in the coming years, after lawmakers gave school officials much less construction money than they requested in January.
The new state budget, signed into law on Monday, sets the budget for school maintenance and construction at roughly $490 million over the next two years — $1.4 billion less than what the Hawaiʻi Department of Education originally requested.
-- Megan Tagami
-- Megan Tagami
Washington County launches $13.4M in school upgrades, eyes long-term school replacements
-- Herald-Mail Media Maryland: 07/03/2025 [ abstract]
-- Herald-Mail Media Maryland: 07/03/2025 [
abstract] More than $10 million in summer construction projects are underway across Washington County Public Schools — ranging from major building system replacements to fire alarm upgrades and new playground equipment.
The 14 projects are expected to cost $13,389,827, even as more than half of WCPS’s school buildings constructed in the 1970s or earlier have never undergone full renovations or modernizations.
The 2025 Educational Facilities Master Plan, finalized in June, outlines a strategy to replace one school every two years, with the goal of updating all pre-1980 buildings by the 2060s.
“While a replacement cycle that will take approximately 40 years to replace just the oldest twenty-four (24) WCPS school buildings is not optimal … it is a starting point that brings the task before the community into sharp focus,” the master plan read.
-- Michael Howes
-- Michael Howes
Summer school construction heats up on Long Island
-- Long Island Business News New York: 07/03/2025 [ abstract]
-- Long Island Business News New York: 07/03/2025 [
abstract] In the summer months, schools across Long Island bid farewell to their students until September and teachers, administrators and other school staff are afforded a much-needed break from the pace and rigors of the school year. However, there is no summer break for architecture, engineering and construction firms as they gear up for a season of extensive education projects, navigating strict regulations, limited budgets and rushed timeframes to deliver improvements to schools in time for autumn.
Throughout our region, the bulk of construction projects for education facilities are centered around maintaining a rapidly-aging stock of buildings developed several decades ago. “There are very few ‘new’ schools being built in the public sector,” says Alex Lipsky, co-owner and president of Lipsky Construction in Bayport. “Most were built as the population of Long Island expanded eastward after World War II during the 1950s through the 1970s and, as a result, most of the public school education projects are renovations, or revitalizations to existing facilities.”
-- JARED SCOT LIBN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Throughout our region, the bulk of construction projects for education facilities are centered around maintaining a rapidly-aging stock of buildings developed several decades ago. “There are very few ‘new’ schools being built in the public sector,” says Alex Lipsky, co-owner and president of Lipsky Construction in Bayport. “Most were built as the population of Long Island expanded eastward after World War II during the 1950s through the 1970s and, as a result, most of the public school education projects are renovations, or revitalizations to existing facilities.”
-- JARED SCOT LIBN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Columbus City Schools undergoing renovations to modernize buildings
-- Spectrum News 1 Ohio: 07/03/2025 [ abstract]
-- Spectrum News 1 Ohio: 07/03/2025 [
abstract] COLUMBUS, Ohio — As aging school buildings across Ohio continue to struggle with infrastructure demands and modern educational needs, Columbus City Schools—the state’s largest district—is making investments to transform outdated classrooms into safe, technology-equipped learning environments.
Devonshire Elementary is among 65 Columbus City Schools undergoing major renovations this summer as part of the district-wide modernization initiative.
For Richelle Poeppelmeyer, a teacher and parent in the district, the improvements are personal.
“Students need comfortable spaces to learn successfully,” Poeppelmeyer said. “If they're sitting in leaky classrooms in cold or too hot classrooms, they're never going to achieve their best.”
Poeppelmeyer said, her oldest son would often return home sweating due to the lack of air conditioning and conditions only improved moderately for her middle child. She said now she looks forward to her youngest son entering a fully renovated classroom in the fall.
-- Saima Khan
Devonshire Elementary is among 65 Columbus City Schools undergoing major renovations this summer as part of the district-wide modernization initiative.
For Richelle Poeppelmeyer, a teacher and parent in the district, the improvements are personal.
“Students need comfortable spaces to learn successfully,” Poeppelmeyer said. “If they're sitting in leaky classrooms in cold or too hot classrooms, they're never going to achieve their best.”
Poeppelmeyer said, her oldest son would often return home sweating due to the lack of air conditioning and conditions only improved moderately for her middle child. She said now she looks forward to her youngest son entering a fully renovated classroom in the fall.
-- Saima Khan
How School Gardens Can Teach Students Valuable Skills for a Tech-Heavy World
-- Education Week National: 07/03/2025 [ abstract]
-- Education Week National: 07/03/2025 [
abstract] It may sound counterintuitive, but school gardens can offer students fertile ground to learn about technology, from using generative artificial intelligence tools to operating hydroponic or water-based growing systems.
That’s why the John Rex Charter School in Oklahoma City, which serves grades pre-K-8 with a focus on technology, has invested in creating a state-of-the-art school garden that features extensive use of technology.
Ally Audas, the school’s enrichment specialist, is informally known as the school’s “gardening teacher.” She makes the case that gardening is important for students living in the digital age, because it teaches them to see beyond instant gratification and understand that developing meaningful things usually takes time.
“With technology, you get what you want right now,” she said. “When we go and use the garden, you plant a seed and you aren’t going to harvest anything for months, potentially. They have to really nurture things and learn some grit, some hard work, and some patience. It’s a great life skill that I think a lot of kids don’t get right now.”
-- Arianna Prothero
-- Arianna Prothero
Competitive Grants Awarded For Therapeutic Classrooms to Area Schools
-- Storm Lake Radio Iowa: 07/03/2025 [ abstract]
-- Storm Lake Radio Iowa: 07/03/2025 [
abstract] The Iowa Department of Education today awarded over $2 million in competitive grants to eight school districts to establish therapeutic classrooms for learners whose emotional or behavioral needs impact their ability to be successful in their learning environment. Two area schools will receive grants: Cherokee Community School District and Spencer Community School District.
According to Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow,Therapeutic classrooms across Iowa provide vibrant, safe and healthy learning environments that best support students’ individual cognitive and behavioral needs.
-- Staff Writer
-- Staff Writer
This Fort Worth charter school’s garden helps students with special needs grow more than veggies
-- Fort Worth Report Texas: 07/03/2025 [ abstract]
The dirt was soft in Kimberly Fermin’s hands.
Shouting for attention, the third grader scooped it haphazardly, packing it around a pink flower under the watch of her teacher, Jennifer Egan.
“LOOK! LOOK!” the little girl exclaimed. “It smells good!”
On a spring afternoon at Trinity Basin Preparatory’s Pafford campus, special education students took part in a community garden cleanup and planting event. Led by Egan, the Functional Life Skills class transformed an overgrown patch of soil beds into a space for lavender, squash, tomatoes and pink flowers — a classroom favorite.
The new garden project is helping the school’s special education students learn more than how things grow, Egan said. It’s teaching them to show love, sometimes in ways words can’t.
The garden grew out of a science experiment comparing beans grown in sunlight versus the darkness of a closet. When one sprouted toward the light, the kids wanted to grow more. Now, they’ll tend to the garden twice a week, measure plant height, chart growth and eventually harvest what they’ve nurtured — some for the school cafeteria, some to take home.
-- Matthew Sgroi
-- Fort Worth Report Texas: 07/03/2025 [
abstract] The dirt was soft in Kimberly Fermin’s hands.
Shouting for attention, the third grader scooped it haphazardly, packing it around a pink flower under the watch of her teacher, Jennifer Egan.
“LOOK! LOOK!” the little girl exclaimed. “It smells good!”
On a spring afternoon at Trinity Basin Preparatory’s Pafford campus, special education students took part in a community garden cleanup and planting event. Led by Egan, the Functional Life Skills class transformed an overgrown patch of soil beds into a space for lavender, squash, tomatoes and pink flowers — a classroom favorite.
The new garden project is helping the school’s special education students learn more than how things grow, Egan said. It’s teaching them to show love, sometimes in ways words can’t.
The garden grew out of a science experiment comparing beans grown in sunlight versus the darkness of a closet. When one sprouted toward the light, the kids wanted to grow more. Now, they’ll tend to the garden twice a week, measure plant height, chart growth and eventually harvest what they’ve nurtured — some for the school cafeteria, some to take home.
-- Matthew Sgroi
Orangefield ISD portable classrooms to be replaced with permanent buildings following $40M bond approval
-- 12 News Now Texas: 07/03/2025 [ abstract]
ORANGE, Texas — Orangefield ISD is moving forward with major campus improvements across its high school, middle school and elementary facilities as part of a $40 million bond approved by voters in 2023.
The district plans to transition students from portable buildings to new brick and mortar classrooms, along with constructing a new library and cafeteria.
The improvements will benefit approximately 250 students, according to Superintendent Shaun McAlpin.
Students have been attending classes in portable buildings since Hurricane Harvey dropped 60 inches of rain on the area, flooding the district's campuses. The temporary structures have created challenging learning conditions and safety concerns.
"My teacher's desk was all cramped together. She had to push stuff into the corner, and then us, we could basically just lean over and we could touch each other," said Jace Forse, an incoming sixth grader at Orangefield ISD.
The portable classrooms have been particularly problematic during severe weather events, including tornado warnings.
-- Sharinna Byrd, Daniela Taboada-Palau
-- 12 News Now Texas: 07/03/2025 [
abstract] ORANGE, Texas — Orangefield ISD is moving forward with major campus improvements across its high school, middle school and elementary facilities as part of a $40 million bond approved by voters in 2023.
The district plans to transition students from portable buildings to new brick and mortar classrooms, along with constructing a new library and cafeteria.
The improvements will benefit approximately 250 students, according to Superintendent Shaun McAlpin.
Students have been attending classes in portable buildings since Hurricane Harvey dropped 60 inches of rain on the area, flooding the district's campuses. The temporary structures have created challenging learning conditions and safety concerns.
"My teacher's desk was all cramped together. She had to push stuff into the corner, and then us, we could basically just lean over and we could touch each other," said Jace Forse, an incoming sixth grader at Orangefield ISD.
The portable classrooms have been particularly problematic during severe weather events, including tornado warnings.
-- Sharinna Byrd, Daniela Taboada-Palau
Huntsville City Schools celebrates milestones in a $600M capital plan transformation
-- FOX54 Alabama: 07/02/2025 [ abstract]
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Change is already visible at the corner of Memorial Parkway and Max Luther Drive, where the Huntsville Center for Technology and the new central office are now up and running. It's one of several milestones as Huntsville City Schools enters year one of its 10-year, $600 million capital plan.
"It's very exciting across the city of Huntsville to see a lot of these projects and facilities updates really coming to life," said Craig Williams, Chief Communications Officer for Huntsville City Schools.
The state-of-the-art facility is designed to support both district leadership and students exploring career technical pathways.
"It's a very exciting facility, and we're very excited to be welcoming students here this upcoming August in the Career Tech Center. It's one of the most visible hallmarks of the capital plan," Williams said.
-- Ken McCoy
-- FOX54 Alabama: 07/02/2025 [
abstract] HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Change is already visible at the corner of Memorial Parkway and Max Luther Drive, where the Huntsville Center for Technology and the new central office are now up and running. It's one of several milestones as Huntsville City Schools enters year one of its 10-year, $600 million capital plan.
"It's very exciting across the city of Huntsville to see a lot of these projects and facilities updates really coming to life," said Craig Williams, Chief Communications Officer for Huntsville City Schools.
The state-of-the-art facility is designed to support both district leadership and students exploring career technical pathways.
"It's a very exciting facility, and we're very excited to be welcoming students here this upcoming August in the Career Tech Center. It's one of the most visible hallmarks of the capital plan," Williams said.
-- Ken McCoy
LAUSD Approves $604 Million Plan to Rebuild Fire-Damaged Palisades Schools
-- Palisades News California: 06/30/2025 [ abstract]
-- Palisades News California: 06/30/2025 [
abstract] The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board of Education approved a $604 million plan Tuesday to rebuild Marquez Charter Elementary School, Palisades Charter Elementary School, and Palisades Charter High School, all heavily damaged by the January 2025 Palisades Fire.
The reconstruction, set to conclude by the end of 2028, aims to restore facilities for approximately 3,620 students across the three campuses in the Pacific Palisades community.
The decision follows the Jan. 14, 2025, declaration of emergency conditions by the board due to severe windstorms and wildfires that caused unprecedented facility losses. The Palisades Fire destroyed or damaged 6,700 structures, including significant portions of the three schools. The approved plan, detailed in Board Report No. 269-24/25, includes two-phase projects: Phase 1 installs interim facilities, while Phase 2 delivers permanent construction.
-- Staff Writer
-- Staff Writer
Record-breaking heat dome disrupts summer school, student activities
-- The Hill National: 06/27/2025 [ abstract]
This week’s heat dome put a big hole in summer school.
Summer classes and other events for students across the country were disrupted by swelteringly high temperatures, a warning of climate-related education disruptions to come.
Along with canceled events, experts say unprepared districts will see repercussions including lower test scores and more behavioral problems if plans are not put in place to handle the heat.
Several schools in New York closed early this week due to the extreme heat, including more than 20 in the Hudson Valley region.
The Washington Central Unified Union School District in Vermont, which was supposed to close for the summer June 24, shut down four days early due to the weather, according to local outlet WFFF Burlington.
“The year has ended with quite a bit of excitement, with all the activities and then some really hot days. It was a little abrupt, and I hope that everyone can stay just a little cooler these days,” Superintendent Steven Dellinger-Pate told the community.
Record-breaking heat has hit multiple states and cities around the country to kick off the official summer season.
-- Lexi Lonas Cochran
-- The Hill National: 06/27/2025 [
abstract] This week’s heat dome put a big hole in summer school.
Summer classes and other events for students across the country were disrupted by swelteringly high temperatures, a warning of climate-related education disruptions to come.
Along with canceled events, experts say unprepared districts will see repercussions including lower test scores and more behavioral problems if plans are not put in place to handle the heat.
Several schools in New York closed early this week due to the extreme heat, including more than 20 in the Hudson Valley region.
The Washington Central Unified Union School District in Vermont, which was supposed to close for the summer June 24, shut down four days early due to the weather, according to local outlet WFFF Burlington.
“The year has ended with quite a bit of excitement, with all the activities and then some really hot days. It was a little abrupt, and I hope that everyone can stay just a little cooler these days,” Superintendent Steven Dellinger-Pate told the community.
Record-breaking heat has hit multiple states and cities around the country to kick off the official summer season.
-- Lexi Lonas Cochran
City and LBUSD approve new agreement for sharing facilities
-- Signal Tribune California: 06/26/2025 [ abstract]
-- Signal Tribune California: 06/26/2025 [
abstract] The City of Long Beach and the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) have updated their agreement on how they plan to share facilities.
The new Master Joint Use Agreement marks the first major update to the partnership since 2006. Approved by the City Council on June 3, and by the LBUSD Board on June 16, the agreement outlines how both agencies will continue sharing spaces like parks, gyms and fields for community, educational and recreational use.
“This new Joint Use Agreement is a meaningful step in our continued partnership with Long Beach Unified School District, further enhancing equitable use of our vibrant community spaces,” said Mayor Rex Richardson in a public statement. “This Agreement is proof that collaboration is key when building a stronger, more inclusive system of access to quality spaces and enriching programming for community members to come together and connect.”
-- Staff Writer
-- Staff Writer
‘Just dirt and weeds’: LPS student gets more than 1,000 signatures to improve schoolyards
-- KLKNTV.com Nebraska: 06/25/2025 [ abstract]
At a Lincoln Public Schools board public forum Wednesday night, one teenager raised her budgetary concerns.
Bailey Braden, 15, suggested the board include more money for LPS schoolyards in the upcoming budget.
The board went over its budget plans for 2025-26 and detailed how much it plans to spend and why.
But Bailey laid out a detailed concern with the fields that students play on during recess, saying the grass isn’t well maintained and can become difficult to play certain sports on.
The incoming freshman moved to Lincoln four years ago and said she’s never seen problems like this anywhere else.
“We’ve been to several different schools, and all those fields there are really nice, so coming here was kind of a shock,” she said. “Cause it’s not fun to play soccer on.”
She worked on her proposal for the board for months and racked up over 1,000 signatures from K-8 students and parents all sharing the same concern.
“It’s making me more determined because all of those groups of kids that are playing in awful conditions, it’s making me want to get it for them,” Bailey said.
Her father, Samuel Braden, also weighed in.
“We’ve driven around all of Lincoln and taken pictures, and all the fields are pretty universally just dirt and weeds,” he said.
Board members listened carefully to Bailey suggestion and said they will take it into account.
But one board member added that droughts have played a part in the poor conditions.
-- Jake Homan
-- KLKNTV.com Nebraska: 06/25/2025 [
abstract] At a Lincoln Public Schools board public forum Wednesday night, one teenager raised her budgetary concerns.
Bailey Braden, 15, suggested the board include more money for LPS schoolyards in the upcoming budget.
The board went over its budget plans for 2025-26 and detailed how much it plans to spend and why.
But Bailey laid out a detailed concern with the fields that students play on during recess, saying the grass isn’t well maintained and can become difficult to play certain sports on.
The incoming freshman moved to Lincoln four years ago and said she’s never seen problems like this anywhere else.
“We’ve been to several different schools, and all those fields there are really nice, so coming here was kind of a shock,” she said. “Cause it’s not fun to play soccer on.”
She worked on her proposal for the board for months and racked up over 1,000 signatures from K-8 students and parents all sharing the same concern.
“It’s making me more determined because all of those groups of kids that are playing in awful conditions, it’s making me want to get it for them,” Bailey said.
Her father, Samuel Braden, also weighed in.
“We’ve driven around all of Lincoln and taken pictures, and all the fields are pretty universally just dirt and weeds,” he said.
Board members listened carefully to Bailey suggestion and said they will take it into account.
But one board member added that droughts have played a part in the poor conditions.
-- Jake Homan
Soap Lake Schools Undergo Major Summer Upgrades with State Grant Support
-- Source One Washington: 06/25/2025 [ abstract]
SOAP LAKE — A series of facility upgrades are underway across the Soap Lake School District this summer, thanks to a mix of competitive state grants aimed at improving safety, accessibility, and long-term efficiency.
According to Superintendent Angela Rolfe, the work is being funded through several Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) grants, including the Small District Modernization Grant, the Urgent Repair Grant, and the ADA Grant.
“These projects are an investment in our campus and in the long-term safety, accessibility, and efficiency of our school buildings,” Rolfe said.
Key upgrades include:
Elementary School Roof Replacement:
A full roof replacement is underway on the 25-year-old elementary building to prevent leaks and address aging materials. The building was originally constructed during a high school modernization effort a quarter-century ago and expanded two years ago with two new classrooms funded by a federal Early Learning Facilities Grant.
Middle/High School Chiller Replacement:
The current chiller, which has been unreliable, is being replaced to restore effective air conditioning. Rolfe said the update will significantly improve comfort for students and staff during hot weather.
Boiler Conversions:
Both school buildings are transitioning from outdated oil-based boilers to modern, energy-efficient electric systems. The switch supports the district’s goals around cost savings and environmental sustainability.
-- Staff Writer
-- Source One Washington: 06/25/2025 [
abstract] SOAP LAKE — A series of facility upgrades are underway across the Soap Lake School District this summer, thanks to a mix of competitive state grants aimed at improving safety, accessibility, and long-term efficiency.
According to Superintendent Angela Rolfe, the work is being funded through several Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) grants, including the Small District Modernization Grant, the Urgent Repair Grant, and the ADA Grant.
“These projects are an investment in our campus and in the long-term safety, accessibility, and efficiency of our school buildings,” Rolfe said.
Key upgrades include:
Elementary School Roof Replacement:
A full roof replacement is underway on the 25-year-old elementary building to prevent leaks and address aging materials. The building was originally constructed during a high school modernization effort a quarter-century ago and expanded two years ago with two new classrooms funded by a federal Early Learning Facilities Grant.
Middle/High School Chiller Replacement:
The current chiller, which has been unreliable, is being replaced to restore effective air conditioning. Rolfe said the update will significantly improve comfort for students and staff during hot weather.
Boiler Conversions:
Both school buildings are transitioning from outdated oil-based boilers to modern, energy-efficient electric systems. The switch supports the district’s goals around cost savings and environmental sustainability.
-- Staff Writer
City leaders break ground on new $240 million Inglewood High School campus
-- CBS News California: 06/24/2025 [ abstract]
Local News
City leaders break ground on new $240 million Inglewood High School campus
losangeles
By
Updated on: June 24, 2025 / 12:14 PM PDT / KCAL News City and school leaders in Inglewood announced the groundbreaking of its new $240 million Inglewood High School campus Tuesday morning, which will feature state-of-the-art facilities. At an unveiling event, County Administrator for the Inglewood Unified School District, James Morris, said the project is an example of the district's dedication to providing its students the best opportunities to be successful. The construction of the new campus is funded mostly through bond proceeds from Measure I, which was passed by voters in November 2020, to improve schools across the district. Morris said the investment is for more than just the buildings; he explained it is an investment in the future. "This is a significant moment for the city of Inglewood, for the Inglewood Unified School District, but most importantly for the children, the young people of this community," Morris said.
-- Chelsea Hylton
-- CBS News California: 06/24/2025 [
abstract] Local News
City leaders break ground on new $240 million Inglewood High School campus
losangeles
By
Updated on: June 24, 2025 / 12:14 PM PDT / KCAL News City and school leaders in Inglewood announced the groundbreaking of its new $240 million Inglewood High School campus Tuesday morning, which will feature state-of-the-art facilities. At an unveiling event, County Administrator for the Inglewood Unified School District, James Morris, said the project is an example of the district's dedication to providing its students the best opportunities to be successful. The construction of the new campus is funded mostly through bond proceeds from Measure I, which was passed by voters in November 2020, to improve schools across the district. Morris said the investment is for more than just the buildings; he explained it is an investment in the future. "This is a significant moment for the city of Inglewood, for the Inglewood Unified School District, but most importantly for the children, the young people of this community," Morris said.
-- Chelsea Hylton
Babcock Ranch schools offer new shelter space for hurricane season
-- WINK Florida: 06/24/2025 [ abstract]
Charlotte County struck a deal to enhance emergency preparedness for its residents. The agreement allows the use of school buildings in Babcock Ranch as hurricane shelters.
The county currently has only four shelters, but the impact of last year's hurricanes, Helene and Milton, highlighted the need for more options. Residents of Babcock Ranch are pleased with the news, as the community had previously seen a significant influx of people seeking shelter.
The newly signed agreement enables Babcock Elementary School and High School to serve as additional shelters during hurricane season. Marce Weissman, a Babcock Ranch resident, emphasized the importance of having these shelters.
"They go bring people that are in danger from their homes and bring them over here to Babcock Ranch, the shelter," said Weissman.
The elementary school will utilize its cafeteria, art room, STEM room, and hallways, while the high school will use its hallways and science room, which will accommodate pets. The second floor will be designated for Charlotte County personnel.
-- Bianca Smith
-- WINK Florida: 06/24/2025 [
abstract] Charlotte County struck a deal to enhance emergency preparedness for its residents. The agreement allows the use of school buildings in Babcock Ranch as hurricane shelters.
The county currently has only four shelters, but the impact of last year's hurricanes, Helene and Milton, highlighted the need for more options. Residents of Babcock Ranch are pleased with the news, as the community had previously seen a significant influx of people seeking shelter.
The newly signed agreement enables Babcock Elementary School and High School to serve as additional shelters during hurricane season. Marce Weissman, a Babcock Ranch resident, emphasized the importance of having these shelters.
"They go bring people that are in danger from their homes and bring them over here to Babcock Ranch, the shelter," said Weissman.
The elementary school will utilize its cafeteria, art room, STEM room, and hallways, while the high school will use its hallways and science room, which will accommodate pets. The second floor will be designated for Charlotte County personnel.
-- Bianca Smith
Michigan lawmakers propose one-time funding for school infrastructure needs
-- FOX47 Michigan: 06/24/2025 [ abstract]
LANSING, Mich. — A study released earlier this year by the school finance research foundation says statewide infrastructure needs for schools add up to more than $20 billion.
Michigan schools face more than $20 billion in infrastructure needs, according to a recent study.
Both House Republicans and Senate Democrats have proposed one-time funding plans to address critical school infrastructure.
Local districts may still need to rely on property tax requests for future infrastructure projects.
I spoke with Ingham ISD Superintendent Jason Mellema in April about these infrastructure needs.
"When I say the basics, we're talking about roofs, HVAC systems, electrical, plumbing—things we need in schools to keep them operational," Mellema said.
We've been covering how local school districts are asking neighbors to pay for infrastructure projects through property taxes, and how some of those ballot requests have failed. But now, a different kind of proposal could be on the way.
"We're just trying the best we can to throw some money at trying to fix some critical needs and infrastructure," GOP state Representative Tim Kelly said.
-- Alonna Johnson
-- FOX47 Michigan: 06/24/2025 [
abstract] LANSING, Mich. — A study released earlier this year by the school finance research foundation says statewide infrastructure needs for schools add up to more than $20 billion.
Michigan schools face more than $20 billion in infrastructure needs, according to a recent study.
Both House Republicans and Senate Democrats have proposed one-time funding plans to address critical school infrastructure.
Local districts may still need to rely on property tax requests for future infrastructure projects.
I spoke with Ingham ISD Superintendent Jason Mellema in April about these infrastructure needs.
"When I say the basics, we're talking about roofs, HVAC systems, electrical, plumbing—things we need in schools to keep them operational," Mellema said.
We've been covering how local school districts are asking neighbors to pay for infrastructure projects through property taxes, and how some of those ballot requests have failed. But now, a different kind of proposal could be on the way.
"We're just trying the best we can to throw some money at trying to fix some critical needs and infrastructure," GOP state Representative Tim Kelly said.
-- Alonna Johnson
Demolition begins at school building permanently damaged by 2023 floods
-- WFMZ.com Pennsylvania: 06/23/2025 [ abstract]
LOWER ALSACE TOWNSHIP, Pa. - Demolition is underway at the former Antietam Middle Senior High School after it was damaged beyond repair in major flooding in July of 2023.
"We took a big loss with that horrible storm, we took a huge loss losing the school," said Maryann Tebegna, who lives in Mt. Penn.
"It's a little bit of a bittersweet moment," said Antietam superintendent, Tim Matlack. "It's a place where I taught for ten years, was an administrator for five years, but obviously with the damage that was sustained after the flood, we knew this was going to happen."
The entire building except for the office will be demolished. The work began in the back where the gym was, which Matlack says was one of the largest in the county and a point of pride for Antietam.
"Unfortunately, the gym at the high school, as it is now, is not large enough for us to host playoff games and that's something that I know the community is frustrated with and we're frustrated with," Matlack explained.
"With the new building, the front of the building will be set back to where this section is and will run straight across," added Matlack. "[It] will not have anything bumping out towards the creek and will not have any doorways or entry point for water to come in across that front face of the building."
-- Caitlin Rearden
-- WFMZ.com Pennsylvania: 06/23/2025 [
abstract] LOWER ALSACE TOWNSHIP, Pa. - Demolition is underway at the former Antietam Middle Senior High School after it was damaged beyond repair in major flooding in July of 2023.
"We took a big loss with that horrible storm, we took a huge loss losing the school," said Maryann Tebegna, who lives in Mt. Penn.
"It's a little bit of a bittersweet moment," said Antietam superintendent, Tim Matlack. "It's a place where I taught for ten years, was an administrator for five years, but obviously with the damage that was sustained after the flood, we knew this was going to happen."
The entire building except for the office will be demolished. The work began in the back where the gym was, which Matlack says was one of the largest in the county and a point of pride for Antietam.
"Unfortunately, the gym at the high school, as it is now, is not large enough for us to host playoff games and that's something that I know the community is frustrated with and we're frustrated with," Matlack explained.
"With the new building, the front of the building will be set back to where this section is and will run straight across," added Matlack. "[It] will not have anything bumping out towards the creek and will not have any doorways or entry point for water to come in across that front face of the building."
-- Caitlin Rearden
Multiple El Paso County schools approved for BEST grant funding
-- The Gazette Colorado: 06/23/2025 [ abstract]
-- The Gazette Colorado: 06/23/2025 [
abstract] Multiple El Paso County schools will benefit from this year’s round of grant awards from the Colorado Department of Education’s annual Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) program.
School districts Harrison D-2, Widefield D-3 and Peyton School District 23-JT, along with the charter Mountain Song Community School, are among the 14 recipients for the state grant aimed at addressing decaying public school infrastructure.
The funding comes after the Colorado Board of Education approved $179 million for the awards during its regular meeting Jun. 11.
-- Eric Young
-- Eric Young
School Building Authority approves nearly $20 million for Major Improvement Projects
-- Metro News West Virginia: 06/23/2025 [ abstract]
-- Metro News West Virginia: 06/23/2025 [
abstract] The state School Building Authority awarded approximately $20 million for Major Improvement Projects (MIP) in 18 West Virginia counties during a meeting Monday in Charleston.
SBA Executive Director Andy Neptune said they were able to increase the original amount of money available after some previous projects came in under budget.
“We were excited that we were able to touch things like HVAC projects, some safe school projects, some electrical switch gears,” Neptune said.
The maximum amount the SBA can approve for an MIP project is $1 million. The county school systems often match those funds with their own county funds.
Neptune said MIP projects take care of expensive projects that are needed at various schools including roof replacements.
“Time has been involved with HVACs or roofs that have been leaking. One of the projects we did was replacing the original roof at East Fairmont High School,” Neptune said.
-- Jeff Jenkins
SBA Executive Director Andy Neptune said they were able to increase the original amount of money available after some previous projects came in under budget.
“We were excited that we were able to touch things like HVAC projects, some safe school projects, some electrical switch gears,” Neptune said.
The maximum amount the SBA can approve for an MIP project is $1 million. The county school systems often match those funds with their own county funds.
Neptune said MIP projects take care of expensive projects that are needed at various schools including roof replacements.
“Time has been involved with HVACs or roofs that have been leaking. One of the projects we did was replacing the original roof at East Fairmont High School,” Neptune said.
-- Jeff Jenkins
Cleaning and Maintenance are priority for Crookston Public Schools this summer
-- KROX Minnesota: 06/22/2025 [ abstract]
-- KROX Minnesota: 06/22/2025 [
abstract] School is out for the summer in Crookston, but that doesn’t mean the schools are locked up tight and sitting dormant, waiting for students to return. No, the schools are getting read with the help of Crookston Public Schools Grounds, Building, and Transportation Director Rick Niemela and his crew. KROX stopped in to visit Niemela and find out what is being done this summer to get ready for the students’ return for the 2025-26 school year. “With the budget situation that we are in, we are just cleaning up our buildings and doing the maintenance that needs to be done on them,” says Niemela. “Basic cleaning: floors, gym floors, getting our heating systems and fire alarm systems inspected, which we do on an annual basis.”
Budget constraints are known throughout the state, and Niemela says there is not a lot they can do beyond the basics at this time. “Everything seems to be just the normal repairs,” says Niemela. “Some doors, some windows, and basic inspections.” It is not just the buildings themselves that need maintenance this summer. “In the grounds world, we are going to do some tree trimming, we always maintain our playgrounds, dress up our wood chips, and check over all of the nuts and bolts on them and make sure everything is tight and that there is nothing there that can hurt anyone.”
-- Staff Writer
-- Staff Writer