Goodrich- By the time many of the district’s students return to school in September their surroundings will look a lot different.
After a few upgrades to the middle school last year, the second phase of a $15.4 million bond extension approved by voters in Feb. 2011 has started.
Projects totalling $7.219 million, which include renovations to the high school and athletic complex, started with the closing of the south high school parking lot. Approximately $2 million of the bond extension will also be used for technology upgrades over this year. The remainder of the money will be used for Reid Elementary School and other projects in the district.
John Fazer, district superintendent, said the entrance to the high school will move to the south side for security and the doors will be electronically shut down after students arrive. Buses will pick up and drop off students at the same location. The high school administration and counseling offices will also be moved to the south side’those offices will be new technology labs. There will be no new classrooms at the high school; however, new boilers, windows, doors and two additional restrooms will be added.
‘The current gym floor is about 50-years-old and will be replaced this summer,? he said.
Other renovations will include replacement of the grass football field with an artificial playing surface.
‘Right now we have narrowed the bidding process for the field down to three companies,? he said. ‘The color of field will be green and designed for high school or college level activities’not the NFL. Unfortunately, the running track around the football field will be closed this spring. Our meets and practices will be relocated to another school.?
The turf, instillation and excavation will cost an estimated $600,000. In addition, a new concession stand and bleachers with seating for 1,500 on the home side and 500 on the visitors side will added. seating for 1,500 on the home side and 500 on the visitors side will be added.
The final phase of the project will be at Reid Elementary School which will include the addition of a cafeteria and renovations to the bus garage.
‘The mild winter and very positive bids have come in to help us stretch the bond dollars,? said Fazer.
‘Several local companies will work on the projects.?
A few of thelocal companies that received bids for the school projects include, Johnson & Sons Excavating (Atlas Township), Dickerson Mechanical (Davison), Weinstein Electric, (Flint), Niles Construction Services (Flint), DF Floor Covering (Flint) and Architectural Glazing Systems (Mt. Morris).