UPDATE ON THE CAPITAL PROJECT
- On January 12, 2016 the voters of the MSCD approved a Building Project that included $15,510,000 in work intended to improve the internal functioning and condition of the two MCS buildings as well as to address the condition of the athletic fields at both the Elementary School and High School campuses. Since that time, the majority of the inside work has been completed, with a few punch list items remaining to be completed. The work that was performed on our athletic fields continues to be addressed and is outlined here: Fields Update.
- Construction work has begun on the many projects set to be done during the summer (with photos)
- Many capital projects on tap to be completed this summer (April 2018)
- Construction bids came in lower than budgeted; some items on hold may be done (December 2017)
- Capital project enters Phase 3; athletic upgrades on indefinite hold (October 2017)
On January 12, 2016, the Mayfield school community approved a $15.5 million capital project entitled “Building the Future, Restoring the Past” that promises to propel the school district well into the 21st century.
The project addressed health and safety issues, deteriorating roofs and infrastructure and make athletic field improvements at each building.
Upgrading learning spaces
The proposal included several initiatives to improve the instructional and learning spaces in the district:
- High School Library: Relocate upstairs and create a new Learning Media Commons; move building office to the former first floor library space
- High School Art Room: Renovate art room with new cabinetry, ceilings and flooring.
- High School Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) classroom: Relocate with new cabinetry, technology and expanded capacity.
- District Committee on Special Education (CSE): Relocate to the current main office with new cabinetry, technology and accessibility.
- The athletic fields would get upgraded playing surfaces, drainage and lighting
- Technology: Enhance technology in all classrooms and common spaces.
The BCK-IBI Architectural Group conducted the state-mandate building condition survey. Many of the proposals in the capital project came from that survey of the school district’s buildings and property.
Tax impact
Based on a $100,000 home assessment, the $15.5 million project would increase tax bills by $86 per year or $7.17 per month without the state’s School Tax Reduction (STAR). If you have BASIC STAR, taxes will would increase by $60 per year or $5 per month; if you have Senior STAR, the impact would be $30 per year or $2.50 per month.
The project would be paid off over 16 years. Most of the proposals are eligible for state building aid reimbursement.
The school district would also use $583,250 of its Smart Schools Bond Act allotment from the state to make improvements for items such as replacing the public address and security systems and installing a pass key entry system at both schools. Smart Schools funding is a state grant and is not repaid.
Project Specifics
Among the largest items at the junior/senior high school, which opened in 1939 ($8.045 million):
- Replace the roof with a 15-year warranty. A 30-year warranty would cost an additional $320,000.
- Upgrade the athletic fields with improved drainage, lighting, backstops, netting and dugouts and expanded modified softball dugouts.
- Provide a secure vestibule upon entering the building and to move the main and guidance offices to the current library. This would also include moving the library media commons to the second floor.
- Replace the oil boilers with more efficient models and to replace the heating and ventilation software controls for the building.
- Replace four skylights, repair the roof and flashing in multiple locations and the gymnasium roofing.
- Upgraded auditorium lighting, video and audio systems.
- Upgrade corridor and classroom lighting with more efficient, longer-lasting LED lighting fixtures. The proposal would also ensure that all light sensors are in working order or they will be replaced.
- Renovate the existing H128 art room and former industrial arts rooms to include new cabinetry, ceilings and flooring and add a receiving area to the east end of the building.
Among the largest items at the elementary school, which opened in 1959 ($6.706 million):
- Replace the roof with a 15-year warranty. A 30-year warranty would cost an additional $290,000.
- Improve drainage on the soccer, softball and baseball fields and reseed the fields adjacent to rear of the school.
- Move the playground including the new equipment and provide additional equipment. This will create 60 additional parking spaces with lighting at the current playground site.
- Renovate small toilet rooms in four classrooms and add new classroom sinks with bubblers.
- Replace the two oil boilers and upgrade heating software controls.
- Replace unit ventilator cabinets and grilles in original building due to rust and corrosion.
- Replace the original crawl space sanitary piping due to heavy corrosion and cracking.
- Upgrade lighting to cost-saving, long-lasting LED fixtures and provide new occupancy sensors.
- Replace acoustical ceiling tiles while show signs of water damage and sagging.
- Replace original building interior door and hardware to make compliant with handicapped access laws.