Augusta School District Bringing Two Referendums Before Voters

Thursday, September 15th, 2022 -- 10:01 AM

The Augusta School District is bringing two referendums before voters during the November 8th Elections.

The first is a $10.5 million referendum that will address capital improvement projects for repairs and classroom additions. The second is a $4.5 million referendum for a new elementary gym.

In the Middle and High School building, the District proposes renovating the northwest wing where the majority of classrooms are located. These small classroom spaces make it difficult to carry out educational instruction.

The District is looking to convert these classrooms into 21st learning spaces by providing areas for student collaboration. Renovating and increasing the size of the existing classrooms will cause the District to lose space, so additional classrooms will need to be constructed.

Basic maintenance is also necessary to address everyday classroom concerns such as failing windows. The District is also planning to relocate the administrative offices to the western part of the building to improve public accessibility.

The Technical Education area space is limited, and an expansion would better meet the needs of the students. The District has recently expanded programming, including introducing an industrial robotics course, and is looking at bringing back an automotive academy.

Providing students with access to these courses gives them the hands-on opportunities to be industry ready and have the skills for post-secondary education or enter the workforce after high school.

The fitness center is located on the second floor and is not easily accessible to those with limited mobility. Building a new fitness center that is handicap accessible and ADA compliant for individuals with disabilities will provide the community with a resource to engage in a fit and healthy lifestyle.

The greenhouse structure leaks when it rains. Repairs and a classroom expansion are needed to support the curriculum, including the greenhouse management program, and make space for a lab.

In the Elementary School, the District wants to ensure the bathrooms are functioning correctly, including upgrading the sinks and toilets. The District is looking to add two additional classrooms to address other space issues.

Within Special Education, there is a need to incorporate sensory spaces to allow students to regulate their emotions and behaviors. The current Elementary School gym is original to the building. The District is experiencing issues when it comes to the size and the use of this space.

The gymnasium primarily serves as the physical education classroom and cafeteria. However, the lunch period greatly impacts the curriculum and instructional practice schedule for all the grades.

Constructing a secondary gymnasium would serve as the primary site for physical education courses and allow the District to implement an educational program more conducive to students and staff.

A secondary gymnasium could also serve the community’s needs for both adult and children’s recreation access. The existing gym could then be used mainly for the food service program.

The District also proposes providing ADA-compliant bleachers in the Middle and High School building and making locker room upgrades. There is also a need to repair the aging custodial shed.

The parking lot will be resurfaced to fix drainage issues, and improvements will be made to the parent and bus routes.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.