Summer Facilities Projects Bring Major Upgrades in the MSD

Throughout the summer, our facilities team has been working hard on several key projects aimed at improving the safety, efficiency, and overall environment of our schools. Here's a look at some of the significant projects they've been tackling over the summer:

Jacksonville Elementary HVAC/Seismic Project

One of our most ambitious projects this summer has been the HVAC overhaul at Jacksonville Elementary School. This two-phase project, spanning two summers, saw the removal of outdated, electricity-driven heating and cooling equipment. In its place, we're installing new fan coils and a complete boiler/chiller plant that will more efficiently regulate the temperature throughout the building. Hundreds of feet of new piping now carry heated and chilled water to these fan coils, ensuring consistent climate control.

The entire HVAC project, funded by Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds to the tune of $4.8 million, also included the retrofitting of the school with new energy-efficient windows. These windows will help reduce solar heat loss and gain, making the classrooms more comfortable and energy-efficient year-round and saving the district money for years.

The entire campus was also seismically upgraded to immediate occupancy standards. Funding was allocated through the Seismic Rehabilitation Grant Program (SRGP.) This will allow the site to be used for command post operations, sheltering, and/or supply distribution in the event of a large-scale disaster and significantly increase student and staff safety and the facility’s seismic resiliency.

Hedrick Middle School Fencing

Security and safety are always top priorities, and our latest project at Hedrick Middle School reflects this commitment. We've added six-foot fencing around the perimeter of the field area, and additional fencing is being installed around the front pick-up/drop-off area adjacent to the gym. This enhancement will provide students with a secure space to gather before and after school, as well as during lunch breaks. 

 

 

 

 

 

Elementary School Security Vestibule Project

This summer, we're also improving security across several elementary schools. New security vestibules are being built at Hoover, Howard, Jefferson, Griffin Creek, and Jacksonville elementary schools. These vestibules help staff better monitor and control who enters the school. They also provide a secure area for visitors to check in or conduct business with office staff without accessing student areas. 

North Medford High School Gym Upgrade

At North Medford High School, we're significantly upgrading the gymnasium to ensure it's ready for anything. The seismic upgrade will bring the gym up to immediate occupancy standards, meaning it can withstand a seismic event and be used immediately afterward as a community shelter, distribution center, or command post.

This project, funded by a Seismic Rehabilitation Grant Program (SRGP) and district match funds, has been a substantial undertaking. While there will still be some exterior work to finish, students and staff will be able to use the gym when they return on August 26th. The final touch, refinishing the gym floor, will be completed by the end of September.

Special thanks to Piet Voskes, North Medford High School athletic director, for his efforts in rescheduling athletics around the gym project and to Ron Shaw and his custodial staff for their invaluable support in keeping the project on track. Adroit Construction has also done an outstanding job ensuring this project remains on time and on budget despite facing significant challenges early on.

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These projects reflect our district’s ongoing commitment to providing safe, comfortable, and up-to-date learning environments for our students. As the new school year begins, we’re excited to see our students and staff benefit from these essential improvements!