Quick! Grab your wallets! Via the Moscow-Pullman Daily News:
Moscow School District Superintendent Greg Bailey says the time has come for MSD to look at renovating and even replacing some of its antiquated buildings – like Russell Elementary and Moscow High School, which combined have seen roughly 170 school years.
At such ages, there is only so much upkeep and renovation can accomplish.
“We’re starting discussions about replacing the high school,” he said. “That’s going to be a multi-year process.”
Russell Elementary, an even older structure, is also on the list for replacement. The buildings date back to the late 1930s, and they lack what are now considered necessary amenities: electrical outlets in the walls, air conditioning, adequate ventilation and ADA compatibility.
While a bond will be necessary for the schools’ future, Bailey said it is not something that will happen this year. Bailey said he hopes work on a new high school will begin within the next decade, meaning the district will be on the lookout for the right piece of property to build on. No sites have been identified at this point.
The Moscow School District has created a 10-year plan to address long-standing issues, Bailey said. These range from small projects, like adding an ADA-compliant pathway to the football field, which is currently in the works, to much larger projects. Other projects, while still significant, are less impactive than new construction, and combine an increase in comfort, functionality and savings for the schools.