Campbell County Schools is entering the early stages of phase two of its middle school renovations.
The phase two plans follow the district’s facility plan, which was approved in August 2021. It includes a full renovation of the 1939, 1948, 1962, and 1969 sections of the middle school building.
The renovations will cover:
- A full HVAC system replacement
- Electrical distribution and wiring updates
- Upgrades to all low-voltage systems
- New flooring, ceilings and painting throughout the building
- Exterior work, including a new roof over the library and main gymnasium
- Paving improvements
The total project is estimated at $28,530,000.
“As we’ve been instructed, putting it on this timeline will save significant taxpayer dollars, which we’re very proud, to be able to do that, put this on the timeline, and be able to start very initial planning stages,” said Campbell County Schools Superintendent Shelli Wilson
Wilson said five different board approvals are necessary for any renovation to move forward, and the project is in the very early stages.
The Feb. 18 approval by the board of education allows the district to begin early planning with the architects and engineers. It also allows them to start site evaluations, such as environmental studies, soil testing and infrastructure assessments, which all have to take place regardless of the renovation’s appearance.
“It is important to note that this BG-1 [project application form] can be revised at a later date to include additional work once the new district facility plan is reviewed and approved later this spring or early summer,” Wilson said. “So, approving this, any initial BG-1 simply allows us to begin a process.”
The district held a ribbon cutting in January for the completed first phase of renovations to the middle school. Prior to those improvements, the last major renovations to the building were done in 1969.
“We’ve certainly touched this building many times, but not recently,” Campbell County Board of Education Vice Chair Kimber Fender said. “69 has been a while ago, we have done some recent renovation work, but that’s when these [full renovations] were added on.”
The first phase of middle school renovations included the entrance with enhanced safety and security with new doors, visitor entrance, cameras, access controls and exterior lighting. Steps were removed for a disability-accessible graduated ramp and reinforced foundation and structural integrity measures were taken.
The traffic loop was improved to increased capacity for loading and unloading students. Safety upgrades were made, including clearly marked student walking zones, a well-lit entrance path and parking lot separation.
There were 323 windows and frames replaced for energy efficiency, safety and increased natural lighting in learning spaces. Over 300 interior and exterior doors and frames were replaced for security.
New boilers, water pumps, upgraded fire suppression, HVAC and electrical infusion were completed.
A complete demo and redesign of restrooms and nurse stations were done to provide increased functionality and student privacy, reduce risk of virus transmission and limit exposure to environmental health hazards.
“These are all things that campus and that building need, and that build off of the recent phase one completion,” Campbell County Board of Education member Tyler Owens said. “It’s going to be just very exciting to see these things unfold to the student culture and experience and all the folks on that campus.”