Mitchell, District's Newest Elementary in the District to be Repaired if Voters Say Yes

A report about describes the site as adequate, but identifies needs, such as remedying lead paint and asbestos, expanding key spaces and improving playground equipment. The school is one of two that would be renovated and expanded if voters approve a $55 million bond referendum Tuesday.

Mitchell, 3521 Jewel Drive, was built on a 10-acre site in 1970 and was expanded in 1989 to 37,800 square feet. Mitchell would be one of two schools repaired, if the $55 million bond measure before voters is approved Tuesday.

A 2010 State of the District Properties Report for facilities, identifies the Mitchell site as adequate for new building construction will the existing space remains in use.

The report recommends evaluating: site lighting from building to parking lot for safety reasons, sanitary sewer service and capacity and storm sewer service and capacity.

The report identifies asbestos concerns in acoustical ceiling texture, floor tile and boiler piping, as well as potential lead in paint, and says it lacks a fire sprinkler system. Numerous other items are noted for replacement such as the boiler, condensors and chillers.

In a May 2011 report, StruXture Architects estimated that it would cost $7.7 million to renovate Mitchell. Current plans call for renovating and expanding the school into a two-section building in the spring of 2014. Some like Board Member David Putz concerns about this small school's future.

The April 3 ballot question follows below:

“Shall the Board of Directors of the Ames Community Schools in the County of Story, State of Iowa, be authorized to contract indebtedness and issue General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $55,000,000 to provide funds to build, furnish, and equip elementary school buildings and improve the sites therefore at the District property on the current Fellows Elementary site, the current Meeker Elementary site, and District property on Miller Avenue; and to reconstruct, repair, improve, remodel, furnish and equip the Mitchell and Sawyer elementary buildings and sites?”