Upgrades to start in May on Spokane schools

With the approval of the 2009 bond, Spokane Public Schools will continue with plans to upgrade Spokane schools.

According to a school district press release, improvements for Longfellow and Garfield Elementary schools will begin in May with new roofing, insulation, flooring and much-needed air systems. Each project will cost approximately $3.5 million. Seven other “1980-era prototype” schools will also receive upgrades during the next six years.

Other projects that will continue with passing of the bond also include modernizations of Ferris High School and Westview, Finch, Hutton and Jefferson Elementary schools. The community will be invited to share input, and meetings will be held with school staffs, parents and students to help design the buildings.

Smaller building improvements, including roof replacements, playground structure installations, flooring upgrades, intercom and fire alarm system replacements, will begin in the summer. The district estimated the projects will cost approximately $4.5 million per year for the next six years.