Proposition K
November marks the three year anniversary of Proposition K, the $50 million bond issue approved by district voters. Since 2008, new construction and renovation projects throughout the district have been completed at or under budget. Due to the current construction climate, some bids were under budget, allowing additional renovations to be completed.
On Sept. 20, 2011, Ritenour celebrated the opening of the new media center and multipurpose room at Marion Elementary School. The new auditorium and classroom addition at Ritenour High School are scheduled to open next semester. Work also continues at a feverous pace at Iveland Elementary School, where students and staff will have a new media center and many other renovations to begin the 2012-2013 school year.
“We thank the community for all of their support. Ritenour residents are getting an excellent value from this bond issue,” said Mike Wieland, Assistant to the Superintendent for Facilities and Support Services. “We’re extremely excited for the opportunities the new buildings, renovations and additions will provide for the students of our district – not just now, but for generations to come.”
Below is the latest construction update from Ritenour schools:
Buder Elementary
Two elevators and a wheelchair lift are under construction at the school to make it compliant with federal American with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards; restrooms at the school are being renovated for ADA compliance; and a new drive and retaining wall are being installed on the west side of the building. The renovations are expected to be completed by Dec. 2011.
Iveland Elementary
The new media center addition and other building renovations are on schedule with an anticipated Aug. 2012 completion. Work is expected to be completely under roof this month and windows will be installed in the front of the addition by the end of the year. Wachter Inc. is the construction company for the $3.8 million project.
Ritenour High School
If you drive down St. Charles Rock Road, you can’t miss the beautiful new addition on the west side of Ritenour High School. At a total cost of $18.4 million, the 81,000 square foot addition features a 791-seat auditorium; classrooms for band, choir, drama and orchestra use; a student art exhibit area; and much more. C. Rallo Contracting Company, Inc. is the general contractor for the $18.4 million project.
On Oct. 6, construction crews installed a green roof on the new auditorium and classroom addition. The green roof’s efficient design will promote sustainable living while ultimately saving money and resources. It will also serve as a unique learning tool for students to learn about the environment and sustainability.
The music and drama classrooms are expected to be ready for student use at the beginning of the second semester. The anticipated date for the completion of the auditorium is now set for the end of Jan. 2012.
Ritenour Proposition K Projects:
|
School for Early Childhood Education |
COMPLETE |
|
Elementary School Playgrounds |
COMPLETE |
|
Wireless Network at all schools |
COMPLETE |
|
Classroom Technology at all schools |
COMPLETE |
|
(Data Projectors, interactive white boards, mobile carts with laptops) |
|
|
Safety & Security Upgrades at all schools |
In Progress (June 2012) |
|
Elevators to meet ADA Requirements |
In Progress |
|
(Buder, Iveland and Marion Elementary Schools) |
|
|
Library at Iveland Elementary School |
In Progress (Aug. 2012) |
|
Library at Marion Elementary School |
COMPLETE |
|
Parking Lot Addition at Ritenour High School |
COMPLETE |
|
Auditorium at Ritenour High School |
In Progress (Jan. 2012) |
|
Existing Building Alterations – Ritenour High School |
Design Phase (Fall 2012) |
This section of the Ritenour School District Web site is dedicated to the Proposition K project work over the next few years. Check back often to learn about the progress of Prop K projects. Photographs, building designs and construction updates will be posted as they become available.
Ritenour School District residents overwhelmingly approved Proposition K – a $50 million dollar bond issue – in the Nov. 4, 2008 election.
Prop K includes many improvements and upgrades:
- Classroom technology for student instruction
- Libraries to meet state standards
- Elevators to meet federal ADA guidelines
- New playground equipment
- District Auditorium
- New School for Early Childhood
- Safety and security renovations
