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
Lawmakers slash Hawaii school construction request
-- Hawaii News Now Hawaii: 06/20/2025 [ abstract]
State lawmakers have rejected more than a billion dollars in school construction projects, including a replacement for the elementary school destroyed in the Lahaina fire.
State Senate Ways and Means chair Donovan Dela Cruz says the Hawaii Department of Education was demanding too much and needs to be more efficient with what it does get.
“They don’t really have a good track record overall, in making sure that projects are getting done in a timely manner and that the money is actually getting spent,” he said.
The Board of Education got the news Thursday from Jadine Urasaki, DOE Public Works Administrator.
“It is significantly less than what we had asked for,” she said.
That seems like an understatement.
The board requested a construction and renovation project that would take two years and cost over $1.9 billion. Lawmakers included about $489 million, rejecting $1.4 billion dollars of requests.
Among the rejected projects, a $70 million replacement for the destroyed King Kamehameha III Elementary and $130 million for a new school in East Kapolei.
-- Daryl Huff
-- Hawaii News Now Hawaii: 06/20/2025 [
abstract] State lawmakers have rejected more than a billion dollars in school construction projects, including a replacement for the elementary school destroyed in the Lahaina fire.
State Senate Ways and Means chair Donovan Dela Cruz says the Hawaii Department of Education was demanding too much and needs to be more efficient with what it does get.
“They don’t really have a good track record overall, in making sure that projects are getting done in a timely manner and that the money is actually getting spent,” he said.
The Board of Education got the news Thursday from Jadine Urasaki, DOE Public Works Administrator.
“It is significantly less than what we had asked for,” she said.
That seems like an understatement.
The board requested a construction and renovation project that would take two years and cost over $1.9 billion. Lawmakers included about $489 million, rejecting $1.4 billion dollars of requests.
Among the rejected projects, a $70 million replacement for the destroyed King Kamehameha III Elementary and $130 million for a new school in East Kapolei.
-- Daryl Huff
Across Maine, towns continue to grapple with school district reorganization
-- The Maine Monitor Maine: 06/15/2025 [ abstract]
-- The Maine Monitor Maine: 06/15/2025 [
abstract] As children played at recess during one of the final weeks of the school year, MSAD 58 Superintendent Laura Columbia explained how several towns began pushing to leave the school district this spring, mainly out of concern that their communities could lose their local schools.
“I’m not coming here to try to close a school, that is nothing any superintendent wants to do,” Columbia said. “But I do want to have our resources going towards our students, and right now I feel like we have so many building needs, that the focus is on buildings, and less about students.”
This school year, MSAD 58 began weighing whether to consolidate some of its four schools to address aging infrastructure costs and preserve resources for students. This prompted a great deal of debate in the community.
“They’re talking about closing schools,” said Strong Selectman Rupert Pratt. “And they’re not talking about closing the high school, where we don’t have students. They’re talking about closing individual schools in the towns. You take a town school away, you shut the town down. People don’t move to a town where they don’t have a school.”
-- Kristian Moravec
-- Kristian Moravec
$143M renovation to bring ‘thrilling’ changes to Waubonsie Valley
-- Naperville Community Television Illinois: 06/13/2025 [ abstract]
-- Naperville Community Television Illinois: 06/13/2025 [
abstract] A large-scale renovation billed as “thrilling” and “welcoming” is in the works at Waubonsie Valley High School.
The 50-year-old school serving roughly 2,700 students is undergoing $143.8 million in modernizations, with $130 million funded by the district’s recent bond referendum. The work aims to improve circulation, visibility and natural light within the building, and to increase equity in programs between Waubonsie and the district’s two newer high schools.
Construction began this spring within the building at Ogden Avenue and Eola Road in Aurora and is expected to be completed in stages through 2030.
“As a parent of two alum from Waubonsie, this is absolutely thrilling,” school board member Susan Demming said at Monday’s board meeting, where the project was discussed.
Renovation work to make Waubonsie brighter, easier to navigate
The district so far has contracted out $8.4 million of the project budget to bring on Wight & Company as the architect, hire construction managers and begin a full-scale update of the auditorium.
-- Marie Wilson, NCTV17
The district so far has contracted out $8.4 million of the project budget to bring on Wight & Company as the architect, hire construction managers and begin a full-scale update of the auditorium.
-- Marie Wilson, NCTV17
Tour of Athol High School shows issues with building
-- Athol Daily News Massachusetts: 06/13/2025 [ abstract]
-- Athol Daily News Massachusetts: 06/13/2025 [
abstract] ATHOL – In an effort to show the need for a new or renovated Athol High School, officials held a tour while outlining the process, which begins with a feasibility study.
Athol Royalston Regional School District Superintendent Matt Ehrenworth, district Facilities Director T.J. Mallet and Athol High School Principal David King met with officials from Athol and Royalston.
The cost of the study has been estimated at $1.6 million. Almost from the beginning of his tenure, Ehrenworth has argued a new facility is needed to replace the current school, which opened its doors in 1960. He told the gathering of Selectboard, School Committee, and Finance Committee members, however, that if a study determined that rehabilitating the school is feasible, he would agree to that. But in either case, he said, the study is crucial at this time.
Before sitting down to discuss funding for study, attendees were taken around the school and its surroundings, including the athletic field.
“Every other high school in western Massachusetts has synthetic track,” said King. “We have not had a track here at Athol High School for over 12 years.”
-- GREG VINE
-- GREG VINE
NYC school playgrounds would stay open longer under bill expected to pass City Council
-- Gothamist New York: 06/11/2025 [ abstract]
-- Gothamist New York: 06/11/2025 [
abstract] New York City kids could soon have more space to play outdoors.
The City Council is set to approve a bill later this month aimed at keeping public school playgrounds open outside of school hours — part of a broader push by lawmakers to expand access to parks and recreational areas.
The bill, sponsored by Councilmember Gale Brewer of Manhattan, would require the city’s education and parks departments to identify at least 15 school playgrounds a year that could be unlocked late in the afternoon and on weekends. The reports would have to include information on how much operating the playgrounds beyond the school day would cost and any potential logistical challenges.
The measure specifies the playgrounds would have to remain open after school on weekdays when school is in session, and from 8 a.m. to dusk on weekends and weekdays when school is not in session. Playgrounds in “environmental justice areas” that have been disproportionately affected by pollution would be prioritized for expanded hours. The legislation has 25 cosponsors and will need only one more vote to pass.
-- Brittany Kriegstein
-- Brittany Kriegstein
Freeport Area School Board OKs $55 million high school renovation, tax hike
-- Triblive.com Pennsylvania: 06/11/2025 [ abstract]
-- Triblive.com Pennsylvania: 06/11/2025 [
abstract] After years of planning and debate, the Freeport Area School Board moved ahead Wednesday with a $55 million high school renovation project — and approved a tax increase to help fund it.
Both measures passed 5-4. The school directors who voted for both were Christine Davies, Michael Huth, Gregory Selinger, Melanie Zembrzuski and Gary Risch Jr.
Directors Dino DiGiacobbe, John Haven, Sylvia Maxwell and Daniel Ritter were opposed to this particular version of the project and tax hike.
“It was time to do something,” said Risch, who is board president. “Our students deserve moving forward as this community grows to have a nice high school to go to.”
Much of the building remains unchanged from when it opened in 1960, though it did undergo substantial work in 1967 and 1987.
Chief complaints from students and staff include wafting sewage and sweltering classrooms during the warmer months.
-- Jack Troy
-- Jack Troy
County, School System Propose $8.55 Million Investment To Address School Facility Needs
-- Chattanoogan.com Tennessee: 06/11/2025 [ abstract]
-- Chattanoogan.com Tennessee: 06/11/2025 [
abstract] Hamilton County Government, in partnership with Hamilton County Schools, is proposing the allocation of $8.55 million in bond funds to address high-priority facility needs across the school district. Developed collaboratively with the leadership of Hamilton County Schools, this proposal underscores a shared commitment to ensuring safe, functional, and well-maintained learning environments for students and educators.
The proposed investment targets more than 20 campuses, addressing long-overdue maintenance projects such as HVAC replacements, roof repairs, fire alarm system upgrades, and accessibility enhancements. These improvements are part of a broader, ongoing effort by county and school system leaders to responsibly reduce the backlog of critical infrastructure needs that directly affect daily school operations.
-- Staff Writer
-- Staff Writer
Many Oregon schools still aren’t equipped to handle extreme temperatures
-- Oregon Public Broadcasting Oregon: 06/10/2025 [ abstract]
-- Oregon Public Broadcasting Oregon: 06/10/2025 [
abstract] Portland Public Schools and other districts in the metro area released students early from classes and canceled after-school programs on Monday due to extreme heat and continued high temperatures. This happened despite districts taking steps to bring building temperatures down, such as overnight ventilation and portable fans.
Schools’ poor infrastructure for high summer heat and chilling winter lows has been a core topic in many union negotiations and strikes around the state in recent years as well, especially as climate change ramps up these intense conditions.
So, why is it that so many Oregon schools aren’t equipped to handle extreme temperatures? And why is it important that they do?
For starters, the average K-12 school building in Oregon is 56 years old, explained Michael Elliott, the director of school facilities for the Oregon Department of Education. This is the average of main school buildings, which doesn’t include the portable buildings that many districts use.
“When those facilities were being designed and constructed,” Elliott said in a statement, “extreme weather was likely not a factor.”
-- Natalie Pate
-- Natalie Pate
Bill allowing GDOE to lease vacant/underused schools gets public hearing
-- Kuam News Guam: 06/09/2025 [ abstract]
-- Kuam News Guam: 06/09/2025 [
abstract] How can idle or underused public schools be turned into revenue to support the maintenance of active campuses? Lawmakers discussed a bill that aims to do just that, drawing support from education officials at a recent public hearing.
It’s a straightforward measure in intent, but one with far-reaching potential to support the Guam Department of Education. Senator Joe San Agustin introduced Bill 70, which aims to allow GDOE to execute long-term leases for underutilized or vacant school properties. The funds generated could then be used to maintain schools that are still in active use.
He said, “Even though you do have a law that authorizes you to rent your unoccupied schools, if the bill is signed, and I hope it gets passed, you can start renting them today and then be prepared to do the lease. And once it passes, you can foresee the funding to come into your lap.”
GDOE superintendent Dr. Kenneth Swanson voiced his support for the bill, noting that it creates a legal avenue to repair, modernize, and replace aging facilities beyond appropriations. “Currently, we have three campuses that are surplus to our classroom space needs, and there is interest in leasing them over time for other government operations and charter school activities," he said.
-- Destiny Cruz-Langas
-- Destiny Cruz-Langas
North Little Rock School Board to consider multiple site plans for new middle school
-- Arkansas Democrat Gazette Arkansas: 06/08/2025 [ abstract]
The North Little Rock School Board could settle on an official site plan for the district’s new middle school as soon as Thursday.
The middle school project, which is estimated to cost $68 million by the time of completion, is being funded with $20.8 million in state partnership funding and $70 million generated from a 4-mill property tax increase passed by voters during a May 13 special election.
At its board workshop last week, board members were briefed on three plans for the layout of the middle school project.
Superintendent Greg Pilewski prefaced Taggart’s presentation, saying that the three site plans were drafted based on feedback from district principals and site visits to other schools to determine the most cost effective and the least disruptive option to move forward with.
Each plan, though resulting in various campus configurations, would involve phased demolitions and construction of multiple new buildings, as well as the renovation of others and the addition of more green spaces for students.
-- Lena Miano
-- Arkansas Democrat Gazette Arkansas: 06/08/2025 [
abstract] The North Little Rock School Board could settle on an official site plan for the district’s new middle school as soon as Thursday.
The middle school project, which is estimated to cost $68 million by the time of completion, is being funded with $20.8 million in state partnership funding and $70 million generated from a 4-mill property tax increase passed by voters during a May 13 special election.
At its board workshop last week, board members were briefed on three plans for the layout of the middle school project.
Superintendent Greg Pilewski prefaced Taggart’s presentation, saying that the three site plans were drafted based on feedback from district principals and site visits to other schools to determine the most cost effective and the least disruptive option to move forward with.
Each plan, though resulting in various campus configurations, would involve phased demolitions and construction of multiple new buildings, as well as the renovation of others and the addition of more green spaces for students.
-- Lena Miano
$576 Million In State Funding For New School Projects Announced By Mayor Simmons
-- Patch Connecticut: 06/08/2025 [ abstract]
-- Patch Connecticut: 06/08/2025 [
abstract] STAMFORD, CT — Mayor Caroline Simmons on Thursday announced that $576 million in total state funding has been authorized for the Westhill High School and Roxbury Elementary School projects.
The authorization was included in the state bond act, House Bill 7288, which passed on Wednesday, June 4.
With the latest authorization, the maximum state grant commitment totals $434.8 million for both projects, $356.8 million for the Westhill High School project, and $78 million for the Roxbury Elementary School project, according to Simmons announcement.
In 2022, Mayor Simmons worked in partnership with the Stamford legislative delegation and Stamford Public Schools and secured an increase in state reimbursement rates for school construction.
-- Richard Kaufman
The authorization was included in the state bond act, House Bill 7288, which passed on Wednesday, June 4.
With the latest authorization, the maximum state grant commitment totals $434.8 million for both projects, $356.8 million for the Westhill High School project, and $78 million for the Roxbury Elementary School project, according to Simmons announcement.
In 2022, Mayor Simmons worked in partnership with the Stamford legislative delegation and Stamford Public Schools and secured an increase in state reimbursement rates for school construction.
-- Richard Kaufman
Here’s How PPS Will Determine Which Schools Take Priority for Seismic Upgrades
-- Willamette Week Oregon: 06/06/2025 [ abstract]
-- Willamette Week Oregon: 06/06/2025 [
abstract] An 11th-hour Portland Public Schools Board resolution to prioritize seismic safety in the district’s $1.83 billion bond may have helped it find success among Portland voters, as parents whose children attend school in dangerous brick buildings rallied behind the tax measure.
Now, in its first update to the School Board as required by that resolution, PPS officials presented a working draft of how they plan to determine which schools will be first in line for improvements. The algorithm would rate buildings both by an objective, data-driven “seismic risk score” and PPS criteria that inform an “importance score.”
The June 3 memo updates School Board members on the district’s progress on three key steps. Those comprise working with a structural engineering consultant to complete a high-level assessment report, a process the district has completed (producing a study of high-risk buildings); using that engineering firm to develop priority recommendations, which the district has been working on since late 2024; and ultimately evaluating those recommendations through PPS’s priority criteria, a step still to be completed.
-- Joanna Hou
-- Joanna Hou
FEA completes Most Cost Effective Remedy study to address East High School capacity needs
-- Wyoming News Now Wyoming: 06/05/2025 [ abstract]
-- Wyoming News Now Wyoming: 06/05/2025 [
abstract] Cheyenne, Wyo. - Shelby Carlson, School Facilities Division Administrator for the Wyoming State Construction department says, "that building (East High School) is over capacity currently and is projected to be over capacity for a number of years."
A three phase study was conducted and completed by the FEA for the State Construction Department, School Facilities Division to address capacity needs which have been concerns at East High School.
The FEA went to East High at different times in 2024 (both in and out of school session) to collect information on both East capacity, and condition (The FEA says East's condition meets what is needed) and created the study to find out what the Most Cost Effective Remedy (MCER) is needed to address the capacity concerns.
-- Staff Writer
-- Staff Writer