Okemos school buildings have an average age of 49 years, and they require diligent attention to keep them safe, efficient, and capable of meeting today’s educational needs. Proposed bond projects in this category address only needs that our Administrative Team identified as “Level 1 Critical” in the district.
Proposed Facility Use Projects
| Air Conditioning installation – OPM, Cornell, Hiawatha, Edgewood, Chippewa (Fine Arts and Science wings) | $2,175,000 |
| Bathroom Renovations | $1,650,000 |
| LED Lighting (to improve energy efficiency) | $560,000 |
| Athletics/Physical Education – Replace Chippewa & Kinawa tennis courts | $525,000 |
| Parking and traffic flow improvements – Cornell & Bennett Woods | $500,000 |
| Safety – Fire system upgrades | $465,000 |
| Fine Arts – OHS instrument storage and practice rooms | $435,000 |
| Bus Garage Upgrades | $80,000 |
| Total – Facility Upgrades | $6,390,000 |
Air Conditioning
The district will replace existing fluorescent lighting with energy efficient LED lighting. Hallway bathrooms will be refurbished. Traffic flow and parking will be improved at Cornell and Bennett Woods. The bond will allow all schools to be fully air conditioned as are Bennett Woods, Kinawa and Okemos High School. The deteriorating tennis courts can be replaced. The High School fine arts wing will get much needed instrument storage and practice rooms. Aging fire alarm systems will be brought up to current standards. Underground fuel tanks at the Bus Garage will be will be replaced by above-ground storage tanks that do not require expensive monthly inspections.
