By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
A lengthy list of interior and exterior improvement projects are nearing completion at Raymond School. But an upcoming referendum could pave the way for even more improvements in the years ahead.
Joe Dawidziak, superintendent of the Raymond School District, reported Aug. 18 on the progress of the summer work at a School Board meeting.
With the start-of-school bell set to ring again soon, Dawidziak said contractors have been tending to a punch list of items, including windows, roofing, lighting and energy efficient upgrades.
“The projects are moving along,” Dawidziak commented. “We should be ready for the kids when they return on Sept. 2.”
Dawidziak said a few straggling items – including some final touch-up work to the roof and exterior edges of the school building – could spill over into the new school year. If that were to take place, however, Dawidziak said crews would work second shift.
“This wouldn’t have any impact on the regular school day,” he said.
The Raymond School Board early this year voted to borrow $1.9 million to see through the projects – many considered pressing. Dawidziak and other school officials in recent years have voiced a need to replace the school’s roof, which has chronically leaked in areas.
Other improvements include an overhaul of the existing plumbing system and installing new windows and lighting as part of an energy efficient initiative.
While the majority of the projects are being funded through borrowing, the Raymond School Foundation has also contributed dollars toward a portion of the work.
The recent items are part of a bigger picture being envisioned. School officials are hoping the broader community shares their vision of allocating funds necessary to bring Raymond School into a 21st Century learning environment.
The School Board has agreed to hold a referendum during the fall general election on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Voters will be asked whether or not Raymond School District No. 14 should borrow an additional $4.64 million to see through another round of projects.
Voter turnout Nov. 4 is expected to be slightly higher than a normal fall election because of the governor’s race. According to the School Board, including the referendum on the ballot is an intentional move designed to have as many voters as possible weigh in on the request to spend additional funds.
If approved, Dawidziak said the referendum dollars will go toward a lengthy list of items, include a reconfiguration of space and the elimination of modular classrooms – or trailers. This would partially be realized by altering the existing layout of the cafeteria and gymnasium.
Currently, Raymond School’s library and band classes are held in the trailers, and Dawidziak said he and other school officials would like to bring the activities back within the school building.
Additionally, Dawidziak said the district is hoping to upgrade the existing science labs, which are considered inadequate by today’s standards.
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