RCS facilities conversation shifts to Dennis, Baxter

Richmond Community Schools is still in the conceptual design stage for determining which buildings will receive millions of dollars for repairs. 

At its Aug. 14 work session, board members shared opinions and asked questions of architect Kevin McCurdy, administrators and each other as they decide how to spend 2024 bond proceeds. 

One major decision is whether to spend about $6.1 million to renovate Dennis Middle School or just put in about $4.3 million for heating and cooling. 

McCurdy and Brad Walton, facilities director, recommend installing energy-saving lighting, new ceiling tiles, carpet, painting, etc. while everything is already being removed to get to the building’s arteries for mechanical system work. Reuse could risk putting back damaged items.

Walton said teachers are frustrated with ongoing remodeling and would prefer to get it all done at one time rather than have crews return in a couple years.  

If Dennis is prioritized, that means less money is likely available for the former Baxter Elementary, now Community Youth Services. A variable number of K-12 students, ranging from 50 to 120, receive alternative or more restrictive services until they’re ready to return to their school.  

McCurdy said Baxter’s heating and cooling system could break any day, and parts might not be available. Total replacement would be $3.5 million, but McCurdy said a $1 million investment could stretch Baxter’s life a few years while other designing and building takes place throughout RCS.  

RCS administrators said they have a backup plan for a heating and cooling emergency at Baxter, and board members said they want to review those details before making decisions.  

RCS recently hired consultants who suggested returning fifth graders to their closest elementary schools, reconfiguring Test and Dennis to both serve grades 6-8 again. To make that work, they also suggested building a new school on the Hibberd site to include all preschool students and its current STEAM, gifted and talented, and applied skills programs.  

Board member John Weber said he’s hesitant to spend millions on renovations while building uses can be re-imagined and RCS is on the verge of strategic planning for the next 10 years. 

For instance, Weber said a priority three years ago was returning industrial arts instruction to middle school, and then nothing happened. That would be another potential use for renovation dollars.  

At the July 24 meeting, potential projects included a $10.5 million renovation of the area around Lyboult Field at Richmond High School, moving tennis courts to avoid water issues, adding a student bus lane for safety, improving field event areas to be state compliant, and improving entrances, concessions and an entertainment area. 

However, by Aug. 14, Lyboult’s wish list had been decreased to $7.9 million, still about $2 million more than might be available. 

Weber said he favors installing new tennis courts ($1.25 million) at McBride Stadium, where RCS has invested more than $223,318 to date, with more projects to do. He’d skip other athletics upgrades.