Richmond Community Schools has narrowed some plans for facility improvements and expanded others.
Some previously discussed Richmond High School athletics upgrades are being reduced in favor of improving its special education classrooms and building security.
At its Nov. 25 work session, several RCS board members showed enthusiasm for some or all of the additional suggested RHS renovations that would affect visual arts, the library and other areas.
However, they favored waiting until the district’s strategic planning is complete, likely in March, instead of deciding now. They want to make sure long-term building usage for all grades is finalized before committing resources.
Budget at a glance
RCS has about $12 million available for renovations in a bond fund.
These priorities have been established:
- Baxter Elementary heating/ventilation/air conditioning: $150,000-$200,000
- Dennis Middle HVAC completion and finishes: $6,700,000 to $7,300,000
- Lyboult Field: $3.9 million for resurfacing the seven-lane track, making field sports areas state compliant, a new synthetic turf practice field and new tennis courts to eliminate flooding damage in 2025. Removing new entrances will save $1.0-$1.2 million.
In addition, board members now support a new secure entrance and administrative functions at RHS, estimated at $841,820. It’s intended to provide a more logically designed and welcoming area for students and families to meet with administrators, including a restroom. The changes, which aren’t in a historic area, also would enhance security between that area and the school population. Renovating nearby first-floor English classrooms into life skills rooms would cost about $878,530. Life skills students would benefit from a new entrance, converted from a current window, that’s Americans with Disabilities Act compliant.
McBride update
RCS has invested in McBride Stadium repairs after purchasing it from the city of Richmond in 2023. RCS previously rented McBride for baseball.
The board has been discussing whether RHS softball facilities should be moved to the stadium or remain on school grounds. Earlier this year, volleyball players raised Title IX equity concerns, and the board is awaiting an independent analysis of RHS sports facilities.
Upon further review, Kevin McCurdy, a partner in LWC Inc., which is guiding the district’s facilities visioning, said a $2.4 million dual use field at McBride could serve both softball and baseball. Other facilities investments would help both teams.
Fencing and other equipment could be changed in about four hours, so softball/baseball teams would rotate usage of competition and practice fields as needed. A third field near McBride could be used for other ages.
RHS ideas on hold
- Relocating the library to its former second-floor home, adding technology capabilities and a small cafe for a second-chance breakfast: $512,262
- Relocating/renovating four core classrooms: $555,841
- Modernizing digital arts (TV/radio/media arts): $550,781
- New art classrooms (support spaces, kilns, etc.): $2,265,564
Those projects would cost an estimated $5,604,798 at today’s prices. McCurdy said the RHS realignment would take four to five years to fully complete if no reserves are used. He said the work would cost an additional $1 million to complete over five years because of inflation.
RCS could repay or reestablish reserves as funds allow or on a specific repayment schedule. However, that would impact annual capital maintenance and projects during repayment.
Alumni room renovations could cost $539,396. Board members favor seeking community donations.
A version of this article appeared in the December 4 2024 print edition of the Western Wayne News.