Bond Project Update

Sparkling like diamonds in the sunshine, the fresh snow looked beautiful. As the weeks have gone on, the snow has continued to pile up. It has been an interesting winter with snow, rain, bone-chilling wind chills and some sunshine. This winter has been different from the last few winters: The snowmobilers have had an opportunity to zip across the pristine powdery white snow in the morning, leaving their tracks as a testament to their fun, various community “tip-up” festivals and ice fishing contests have seen better conditions than in the past few years, and the Columbia School Board, teachers and administrators have been diligently working on the beginning planning for our building improvements and remodeling.

Phase I includes the areas of the district that require the shortest length of time for our groups to work through the planning segment. Currently we are looking at outdoor components which were included in the bond issue. First and foremost, Phase I contains the complete replacement of all of the school roofs. The Phase I elements include the rerouting and paving of the new bus loops and drop-off areas at the Brooklyn campus of Columbia Middle and Elementary Schools, along with increasing the safety of the bus drop-off at Columbia Central High School. Also included in Phase I projects will be an increased focus on safety for the students and parents during drop-off and pick-up times. Phase I will also include upgrades to the track and field events areas, parking lots, middle school site work, and tennis courts. During Phase I we will also begin rewiring for our computer net works.

Phase II includes the balance of the projects: Completion of technology wiring and installation of wireless hubs, purchase of additional computer hardware, installation of new heating systems, remodeling of classrooms, remodeling of offices to include secure entry vestibules, addition of a secure entry at the elementary which will include a new office area, addition of locker room area at CCHS for seventh and eighth grade students.

Funds for the projects will come from the sale of our bonds. In a couple weeks the district will sell our bonds on the municipal market. With the assistance of two companies: Stiefel Nicholas and Raymond James. Community members with an interest in purchasing some of our tax free bonds will have an opportunity to do so by working with either of these two companies. Bonds will be sold in differing amounts for various lengths of time.

Just like the fresh snow sparkles in the sunshine, our remodeled schools will not only look better, but the technology will be greatly improved and the buildings will provide safer, warmer, and drier educational learning areas for our students and teachers. If you are interested in participating in a focus group to help plan various aspects of our remodeling projects, please call me at 5175926641 or email me at pam.campbell@myeagles.org.