Summer Construction Wraps up 2017 Bond Projects
Since voters approved the 2017 bond, work has been ongoing to update, improve and secure our Mason Public Schools buildings and facilities. The $69.7 million bond provided funding to make major facility improvements at the district's elementary buildings as well as make technology and learning environment upgrades and safety and security updates to all buildings.
Most notably, Steele Elementary School underwent extensive construction adding a 55,000 square foot addition to the building. Interior and exterior improvements also took place at Alaiedon Elementary, North Aurelius Elementary and the Harvey Education Center. In the final phase of construction this summer, work has been focused on creating a new office suite at Mason Middle School and improving the offices at Mason High School to create secure entryways at each building providing enhanced security and safety for students and staff.
Behind the scenes, buildings have received HVAC improvements and other infrastructure enhancements. Over the past seven years, we have accomplished an enormous amount of work with our construction and project management partners, we have:
- Added 99,569 square feet of new construction across elementary buildings.
- Completed extensive interior remodeling to existing spaces at elementary buildings.
- Installed new door locks, with visual indicators, on all classroom doors in all district buildings.
- Reconstructed and improved site circulation for bus loops and pick up/drop off areas at Alaiedon, Harvey, North Aurelius and Steele.
- Added gymnasiums and improved cafeterias at all elementary buildings.
- Purchased and installed new furniture and equipment in all elementary buildings.
- Installed secure entry vestibules at buildings providing an extra layer of access control at the entrance of each building.
- Improved playgrounds and outdoor space at all elementary buildings.
- Replaced and improved mechanical, plumbing, lighting and heating and cooling systems at all elementary buildings.
- Replaced steam boilers and steam units at the high school with new hot water heating systems with air conditioning.
- Purchased and deployed new, state-of-the art IT equipment and systems across the district.
- Replaced aging buses with 15 new buses.
- Expanded the district's wireless capacity and increased the number of computers and devices available to students and staff.
- Upgraded pool lighting to LED lights.
- Updated HVAC; now under the control of the Building Management System (BMS).
The support of Mason voters made these vast improvements possible with the 2017 bond and we are thankful for the community support that allowed us to increase safety and security, modernize learning spaces to attract staff, students, and families, and provide the best learning environment for all students, now and in the future. We are committed to continuing to provide safe and appropriate learning environments for current and future students. The current 2023-2028 Strategic Plan includes Facilities and Infrastructure as a focus area to ensure a clear path forward to continue to modernize our current facilities and plan for future improvements, including preparing for a bond offering in 2025.