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Board of Education approves major KHS renovations for 2008
Weight room, foods, graphic arts, exterior and bathrooms will get face lifts
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By Andrew Kuehl
11/30/07 > KEWASKUM- After getting approval from the Board of Education, Kewaskum High School will see yet another major renovation project during the summer of 2008. The multi-faceted project that will center on an expanded weight room/fitness center for students will cost taxpayers right around $825,986.
Business Manager for the school district Paul Reichert, stated initial funding for the project would come from a combination of the maintenance budget and fund balance. “Subsequently we can borrow funds from the State Trust Fund as we have done for other projects at the high school. Portions of the project may also be funded by a federal IDEA grant and donations,” he explained.
The school district is working with Quasius Construction of Sheboygan whom they keep on retainer for architectural consulting. Architects have developed conceptual plans for all the projects.
Reichert announced a $460,085 project would see the relocation and expansion of the weight room/fitness center at KHS. Building and Grounds Director Jim Palmer explained the weight room will move into the current foods room and then that room will be expanded into an unused classroom for an expanded fitness center for students, athletes and the community. The foods room will then move into the current weight room.
The weight room was moved from a portion of the building’s basement in 1995 as part of a renovation project associated with a referendum that same year. The foods room and unused classroom have been unchanged the last 15-20 years.
A less costly project will include the renovation of the two rest rooms in the 300 hallway of KHS. Reichert announced the current rest rooms would be gutted and remodeled in the same fashion as four other rest rooms that were remodeled during the summer of 2007. This project is expected to cost $76,522.
The third component of the project is a remodeling of the Graphic Arts classroom. The current dark room and storage room will be demolished to provide additional classroom space. The classroom will then be connected to new HVAC equipment being added for the weight room/fitness center.
The renovations will provide the classroom with much needed improved ventilation and air conditioning. This project is expected to cost $92,839.
The next project will involve improvements to the exterior of the high school on the north side of the 700 building near the choir room. The project will encompass installation of new concrete sidewalk and stairs and the removal of the existing concrete steps and sidewalk that were installed in 1995, and the installation of a new block retaining wall.
“Completion of this portion of the project will make the band room entrance handicapped accessible,” Reichert reported. This portion of the project is expected to cost $46,540.
Quasius Construction has also advised the district that the state building inspector will require that the district replace the fire alarm system at the high school once the renovation project gets underway. This is expected to cost around $150,000.
Construction plans are being developed and Reichert reports that bid requests will be sent out in late January. The Board will then review the bids in March. At that time the Board will have an opportunity to approve the bids and move forward into the construction phase that would begin in June.
After bringing home another conference championship, head KHS football coach and athletic director Jason Piittmann, is thrilled with the approval that will see expansion of the weight room. He went on to explain that a committee is being formed to look at different avenues of raising funds for the facility to add equipment. “We don't have a solid number yet on how much will need to be raised, but I have been in contact with a few different suppliers of weight and exercise equipment to get that process going,” he announced.
At the forefront of that fundraising committee is a familiar name to Kewaskum sports, Cindy Shaske who says she is joined by another parent and two coaches. “Right now, the committee consists of one other parent (besides me) and two high school coaches. We could use more members,” she says.
To get involved with the fundraising committee or to make a monetary donation, contact Shaske at (262) 689-0291.
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