McKenzie Special School District Board Meeting Report

The McKenzie Special School District (MSSD) Board convened this week to approve key infrastructure improvements, including middle school bleacher replacement, high school gym floor refinishing, an upgraded district-wide radio communication system, and the implementation of an Integrated School Management (ISM) system. These projects, funded through a combination of district capital funds and a federal grant, aim to enhance safety, accessibility, and communication across MSSD campuses.

Middle School Bleacher Replacement Approved

The board approved replacing one side of the middle school bleachers, not the high school bleachers, as previously reported. The contract was awarded to Toadvine Enterprises as the low bidder at $83,999, covering demolition and installation. With this replacement, the home and visitor sides will be swapped, ensuring improved seating arrangements.

Board members reviewed multiple bids and selected seven-row bleachers to maximize seating. A wood option was chosen to align with existing facilities and ensure longevity.

High School Gym Floor Refinishing to Begin

The board also approved a $28,900 contract with CQT Flooring to sand and refinish the high school gym floor, ensuring a safer, more durable playing surface. This project includes:

• Updated court graphics reflecting school branding.
• Volleyball sleeve installations to support expanded athletic programming.
• Refinished boundary and game lines to improve court visibility.

The refinishing will be scheduled to minimize disruptions, with work expected to be completed during the summer break.

District-Wide Radio Communication System Enhancements

In a significant security and communication upgrade, the board approved the purchase of 103 new radios for all three district schools, ensuring that every staff member has access to a radio for daily use and emergency communication.

The total project cost is approximately $46,400, but the district will use a portion of its COPS grant funding to offset costs, reducing the district’s share to $11,500. The COPS grant is a 25% match grant, helping cover security enhancements.

Key upgrades include:

• A new repeater installed at the high school to strengthen signal coverage across campus.
• A radio-to-intercom integration, enabling staff to use radios for emergency announcements over the school’s intercom system.
• Replacement of aging analog radios with modern digital units, improving clarity and range.

Dr. Justin Barden emphasized the importance of these security upgrades, stating that ensuring clear and reliable communication for all staff is a top priority.

Integrated School Management (ISM) System Implementation

As part of an effort to modernize school operations, the board approved the implementation of an Integrated School Management (ISM) system. This system will enhance administrative efficiency by streamlining:

• Student records and enrollment tracking
• Teacher and staff scheduling
• Attendance and grade management
• Parent communication and engagement tools

Board members highlighted the importance of adopting technology-driven solutions to increase transparency and operational efficiency within the district. The ISM system is expected to be fully operational by the start of the 2025-2026 school year.

Future Facility Upgrades Under Discussion

Board members also reviewed upcoming capital improvement projects, including:

• Roof replacements for key district buildings.
• Expansion of outdoor learning spaces.
• Further security enhancements, including updates to entry systems and surveillance infrastructure.

Funding strategies and timelines for these projects will be reviewed at future meetings.

Next Steps

With these projects approved, MSSD will coordinate installation schedules to ensure completion before the start of the 2025-2026 school year. The board will receive progress updates at the next meeting, where additional facility and security needs will be discussed.

Superintendent Dr. Barden reiterated that these improvements align with the district’s long-term commitment to providing safe, modern, and well-equipped learning environments for McKenzie students.

Correction Notice:

This article has been updated to correct details regarding facility improvements, radio system upgrades, and funding allocations as clarified by the McKenzie Special School District Board.