Construction Underway at Garden City High School

Construction is underway at Garden City High School to provide for additional instructional space.

Improvements there, and at the other eight district buildings, are all included in the $36.5 million investment bond residents approved in October 2009.

District-wide upgrades are intended to meet basic safety and code requirements, as well as reclaim learning space. At the high school, modernizing existing space and adding music space will be achieved.

Last summer, the often leaking high school roof was repaired, along with the bus loop at Garden City Middle School. This May, district officials held a groundbreaking for the new middle school gym, which is intended to alleviate space and congestion issues.

After the passing of the bond, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Feirsen said the approval reflected "the community's commitment to the improvement and preservation of our schools."

School officials took advantage of low interest rates to realize the best returns on their investment. Dr. Feirsen, who applauded the work of the district's Facilities Committee in putting together the "cost-effective" plan, said the repairs and renovations will "decrease the rate of deterioration of the district's physical plant."

Annually, the district has used capital funds to maintain its buildings. Projects included in this investment bond, however, far exceed the district's yearly allocation. In fact, school officials point out that the high school roof replacement alone was more than double the amount provided for capital repairs in any given year.

A timeline and regular updates regarding the bond projects are posted on the school district's website.