our challenges
Critical Building Systems Are Aging
Many of our facilities are 70 to 100 years old and no longer meet today's standards for safety, accessibility and learning.
The proposed project will update our schools to meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards, making restrooms, hallways, doors, and ramps accessible for everyone.
It will also add safer entrances to help staff monitor who enters and exits our buildings, and install new fire alarm systems to protect students and staff in the event of an emergency.
Austin High School + Annex
Built over 100 years ago, Austin High School is the oldest school in the district and requires critical repairs and upgrades. The building has an outdated boiler, aging electrical and HVAC systems, restrooms and locker rooms that are not fully ADA-compliant, and a fire alarm system that needs upgrades. Classrooms need improvements to continue to support learning, such as updated cabinets, ceilings, and doors. Exterior doors, walls, and pavement also need repair. The cafeteria storage room can be reconfigured for better use of space.
Austin High School includes the Area Learning Center and the Austin Online Academy.
Challenges at Austin High School
Banfield Elementary
At Banfield Elementary, restrooms, doors, and the playground need improvements to meet accessibility standards. Mechanical, electrical, and fire alarm systems require upgrades. Two undersized classrooms would better serve students and staff as one standard-sized classroom. Ceilings, doors, floors, lockers, and cabinets are worn down. The roof, windows, and outer walls are aging and damaged. The parking lot and cracked sidewalks need repairs.
Challenges at Banfield Elementary
Ellis Middle School
Built in 1957, Ellis Middle School needs new mechanical equipment, improved locker rooms and restrooms to meet ADA standards, and fire alarm upgrades. Classroom doors, ceilings, and cabinets need improvements. Pavement and exterior walls are damaged and need repair.
The Bud Higgins Pool, which opened in 1972, has moisture damage, rust, and a diving well that does not meet current standards. Mechanical and electrical systems need upgrades. The locker areas are outdated, with no individual showers and limited accessibility. The floors, walls, ceiling, and roof need to be replaced.
Challenges at Ellis Middle School
Neveln Elementary
Neveln Elementary needs updated mechanical and electrical systems (including boilers and piping), restrooms, and fire alarms. Safety and security can be improved by enhancing the entrance. Classroom doors, ceilings, desks, lockers, and cabinets need to be replaced. Exterior walls and windows are damaged. The upper auditorium would better serve students if it were converted into standard classroom space.
Challenges at Neveln Elementary
Southgate Elementary
The boiler at Southgate Elementary needs to be replaced. Restrooms need accessibility improvements. The parking lot and sidewalks need repairs. An upgraded fire alarm system is needed. Ceilings, flooring, and windows are showing their age. Outer walls are heavily damaged and should be replaced.
Challenges at Southgate Elementary
Sumner Elementary
Sumner Elementary needs electrical and mechanical system improvements, including new pipes. The school also fails to meet accessibility standards – for example, the second-floor classroom wing on the south end of the school is only accessible by stairs. An elevator addition and restroom improvements are needed to meet ADA guidelines. Safety and security can be improved by enhancing the entrance. The fire alarm system is outdated. Ceilings, flooring, cabinets, lockers, windows, and outer walls need repairs. The upper auditorium would better serve students if it were converted into standard classroom space.
Challenges at Sumner Elementary
Woodson Community Learning Center
The Woodson Community Learning Center received some updates twelve years ago when it became a kindergarten center. Today, the center serves as the hub for early childhood programming. The building requires updates to mechanical and electrical systems and classroom improvements to better serve our youngest learners. The building also needs new windows, ADA improvements, new fire alarms, and pavement repairs.
