McKenzie School Board Tours Schools, Discusses Issues

McKENZIE (April 19) — The McKenzie Special School District Board of Education held a retreat Saturday morning to discuss a wide variety of issues, assess needs and prioritize actions for the short- to midterm future.

Board members and Director of Schools Dr. Justin Barden first met at the central office for breakfast before touring the three schools.

At McKenzie Elementary, they discussed drainage issues around the exterior of the school, painting needs, speaker system upgrades and upcoming work on the gymnasium floor. Dr. Barden called roof repairs “the next big project.”

At the middle school, the board inspected a minor water leak beneath the pavement in the rear, the speaker system, restroom sinks and toilets and upcoming work on the gymnasium floor.

The tour wrapped up at the high school, where numerous roof leaks, gym floor upgrades (to make room for volleyball) and the need for more trophy cases were the topics of note. Members briefly discussed the prospect of a logo for the front of the building and a digital sign near the highway.

Board members will keep these issues in front of mind with budget talks on the horizon.