Butler County schools pour $24M into building improvements

Butler Countys 10 public school districts have spent a combined $24.4 million in construction, renovations and capital improvements this summer.

For many schools districts the repairs were as routine as re-paving parking lots, but many were also upgrading classrooms to accommodate STEM classes and updating buildings with more security features and energy-efficient systems.

Students in the Hamilton, Middletown, Madison and New Miami districts were the first to file back into the classroom last week. Students in those districts were welcomed with more than $1.2 million in repairs and upgrades, including STEM classrooms at Middletown Middle School, new roofs and re-paved parking lots.

The 2014-15 school year begins this week for Edgewood, Fairfield, Lakota, Monroe and Talawanda.

The Ross school district is the latest to start back this year Aug. 26 for Elda Elementary and the middle and high schools; Sept. 2 for Morgan Elementary.

Greg Young, Ross superintendent, said the late start at Morgan is to accommodate finishing construction on a $10.5 million renovation and addition to the 32-year-old building. The district has renovated 46,440 square feet and added 7,165 square feet to the school.

With the completion of Morgan, all our kids will be in 21st century learning environments, Young said.

Renovations to Morgan include secure entrances; a new energy efficient geothermal heating and cooling system; an enlarged cafeteria and kitchen; new music and art classrooms; new life/safety systems including sprinklers, fire alarms and security cameras; all doors and windows replaced; new furniture; and all new ceilings, floors and paint.

We gutted the buildings, Young said, including new electrical, plumbing and sewage systems. The inside of the buildings completely transformed. Theres a fresh, new appearance to the building.

Sharon Estridge, of Hanover Twp., said she has two daughters a first grader and fourth grader that attend Morgan Elementary. Both Estridge and her children are excited to get a look inside the renovated building.

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Butler County schools pour $24M into building improvements