As soon as students began their summer break, crews at Burke County Public Schools began $583,000 in capital improvements and repairs districtwide.
The summer 2024 projects are the last batch of updates and repairs funded by Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER). ESSER funds are allocated through a federal legislative act to help schools safely reopen and address the impacts of COVID-19.
“We have to make sure students have clean air, efficient systems, and quality air to breathe,” said Bob Acord, director of auxiliary services.
Projects are normally assessed one year in advance to ensure the necessary parts are ordered in time for work to begin in the summer, according to Acord. Principals are sent a capital needs assessment, and a list is compiled between December and February.
Some projects take several years. For example, Triangle Contractors is currently working on an HVAC upgrade in the back hallway at North Liberty School. The project is a continuation of the HVAC project from last summer, which included the completion of the office and front hallway.
“There’s no way we could have completed this entire project in one summer. June to August seems like a big stretch of time. With capital projects, most times you’re running right up until the end,” Acord said.
The following is a list of more BCPS capital improvement projects in progress and scheduled to be completed before students return to school.
Summer 2024 ESSER Projects
- New football scoreboard at WA Young
- New softball scoreboard at Heritage Middle
- New irrigation system on the practice field at EBHS
- New awnings at Liberty Middle
- Window replacement at Glen Alpine Elementary School
- Window replacement at Mull Elementary School
- Flooring at several schools
- New carpet in the band room at Freedom
- New roof at WA Young Elementary and Ray Childers Elementary schools
- ADA door operation system at East Burke High School
- Total refinish of the main gym floor at Draughn High School
- Additional walkie-talkie radios for several school locations
- Fresh paint at several locations
- Ray Childers Elementary School adds new concession stand and restrooms
- Tennis court repair and crack fill at Patton High School
Acord says all projects are equally important to improve student safety and efficiency. In addition to these projects, the maintenance team is conducting routine maintenance checks for smaller needs and completing work orders.
Charda Pearson is the education and business reporter for The Paper. She may be reached at 828-445-8595, ext. 2012, or charda@thepaper.media.