The Jefferson City School District wrapped up several construction projects this summer and is looking ahead to what needs to be done next.
The JC School Board building committee met Monday to hear updates on past, current and future building improvements.
Director of Facilities Frank Underwood told the group the summer was spent renovating Moreau Heights Elementary "down to the bones," and it's using temporary air conditioning rooftop units, but the replacements were scheduled to come in late November or early December. Those would be installed during Christmas break.
Thomas Jefferson Middle School underwent roof repairs this year, which are set to be finished this week, and Lewis and Clark Middle School got some gutter repairs.
Among other small projects this summer were tuck-pointing, parking lot repair, floor replacements and playground rubber.
Athletic facility construction is ongoing.
Soccer turf should go down soon, and buildings for locker rooms and bathrooms should arrive soon. Dugouts will arrive in early October. Capital City High School construction is a few weeks ahead of schedule, and Underwood said finishing the bleachers will keep everything underneath covered in case of weather.
Underwood was unsure whether Jefferson City High School projects would be done by the end of October. Scoreboards are coming in mid-October.
The committee also said it wanted surveillance at both athletic complexes.
Crews did partial renovations on Thorpe Gordon Elementary this summer as well, but that project is scheduled to continue into next year. Crews added additional spaces for reading and math, created an office area, painted and added logos. The playground is finished except for the installation of equipment, which has yet to arrive.
At the board meeting Thursday night, Superintendent Bryan McGraw talked about the possibility of converting Thorpe Gordon into a STEM school. Board President Scott Hovis asked Monday what would be involved in that process.
McGraw said it could mean expanding the library and converting an adjoining space into a lab space, adding solar panels and agricultural areas for learning programs and training staff.
McGraw listed a few ideas for potential future projects, including:
• Upgrading technology in every classroom from SMART boards to new touchscreens
• Replacing elementary windows at four schools
• Tennis courts at JCHS
• A trades building for Nichols to keep students from having to go off-campus
• Renovation of Jefferson City Academic Center/the Miller Performing Arts Center and Southwest Early Childhood Center
• Expanding preschool offerings
McGraw said the district would have to decide what to prioritize and what timeline to pursue on those possible projects. The board will hear from the company that handles the district's bonds Thursday during a work session and will discuss options for its finances and projects going forward.