Summer 2020 Bond Update

Over 30 DCSD Locations Receive Bond Improvements
Posted on 09/10/2020
Over 30 DCSD Locations Receive Bond Improvements

Over the Summer of 2020, more than 30 Douglas County School District (DCSD) locations underwent capital improvements funded by the $250 million Bond approved by Douglas County voters in 2018. Despite a delay when school buildings were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the vast majority of work finished on time and budget before school began this fall.

Here are a few examples of how the Bond has helped improve DCSD buildings and facilities:
  • Roof replacements at Arrowwood Elementary, Castle View High School, Eldorado Elementary, Heritage Elementary, Larkspur Elementary, Ranch View Middle School, Saddle Rock Elementary, Sagewood Middle School, and Soaring Hawk Elementary

  • Ten fire alarm system replacements

  • Partial flooring replacement at Castle Rock Middle School, Eldorado Elementary, Northeast Elementary, Pioneer Elementary, Ranch View Middle School, Sagewood Middle School, and Wildcat Mountain Elementary

  • Full flooring replacement at Northridge Elementary, Sand Creek Elementary, and Sierra Middle School

  • Restroom upgrades at Arrowwood Elementary, Cherry Valley Elementary, Franktown Elementary, Heritage Elementary, Legacy Point Elementary, Meadow View Elementary, ThunderRidge High School, and Trailblazer Elementary

  • Gym floor replacement at Cougar Run Elementary, Frontier Valley Elementary, and Pioneer Elementary

  • Tennis court replacements at Chaparral High School and ThunderRidge High School

  • Turf replacement at Douglas County Stadium and Echo Park Stadium

  • Track replacement at Castle View High School

  • Sound system upgrades, new bleachers, and fresh paint at Shea Stadium

  • Lighting upgrades at Douglas County Stadium and Shea Stadium

  • Packaged rooftop unit (RTU), chiller, boiler, and other replacements at various schools
DCSD and partners at NV5, A&P Construction, and Eidos Architects also broke ground on the new F-Pod addition at Castle View High School in late May of 2020. Progress has continued on the F-Pod project, and footings and foundations are complete.
Fundamentally, capital improvement projects enhance the functionality and safety of DCSD facilities. HVAC work regulates building temperature and ensures top-notch air quality for a healthy, comfortable learning environment. Restrooms with upgraded flooring and stalls make for easier cleaning and a fresher look. Improvements to playgrounds, tennis courts and stadiums provide more opportunities for students’ physical and mental well-being. Other necessary replacements and upgrades to emergency generators, fire alarms, and door hardware provide added safety for the building and the people inside. Replacing aged roofs reduces the chance of leaks that can close a school and damage property inside the building.
Outside of the visible external improvements, the upgraded buildings brought a sense of pride and progress to the people entering them.

New Flooring at Sierra Middle School “The carpet looks great!” said Darrell Meredith, Principal at Sierra Middle School. “It added newness to the building, and it seems like it made the building quieter because the sound is not bouncing off the tile.”

According to Meredith, students recognize the importance of the new flooring and help prevent new stains by finishing their coffee and other drinks outside the building.

“I tell them, ‘Let’s take care of what the people have given us. Everybody’s worked hard, so let’s make sure it lasts.’”

Another Parker school that saw massive improvements was Ponderosa High School. Built in 1983, the school received new elevators, new fire alarm systems, new boilers, new HVAC system and control, and a new kitchen. For Principal Tim Ottmann, the greatest improvement came with the new HVAC system.

“This is my 31st year here, and for the first time in 10 years, we actually have consistent airflow throughout the building,” said Ottmann. “It has been a blessing. Kids and teachers in the classrooms are comfortable.”

“It’s not very cosmetic, but it really makes a difference,” Ottmann laughed.

Like other DCSD locations receiving capital improvements over the summer, the construction crews at Ponderosa High School began work after a six-week delay. They still had to complete work before students and staff returned to the building.

“Our partners Nunn Construction and NV5 were great to work with,” commented Ottmann. “I was very pleased they were still able to deliver the building on time. It was amazing.”

The students and staff at Soaring Hawk Elementary in Castle Rock experienced one of the new upgrades shortly after returning to school.

“Our new fire alarm system is exciting. We had a practice drill, and the kids and adults liked the more calming voice and the lower volume,” said Principal Stacey Roberson. “It got your attention, but it wasn’t as loud as it has been in the past. Our Severe Special Needs kids really enjoyed that change.”

As Jessica Killian, Managing Director at NV5, explained: “The next round of projects include similar scopes of work such as roofing, mechanical equipment, flooring, etc. and will provide improvements to the buildings in another large portion of the school district.”

DCSD wishes to thank the entire Douglas County community for investing in our school and athletic facilities. Thanks to their support at the polls in 2018, students, staff, and families will be able to learn, play, and work in school district buildings for years to come.
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In compliance with Titles VI & VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, and Colorado law, the Douglas County School District RE-1 does not unlawfully discriminate against otherwise qualified students, employees, applicants for employment, or members of the public on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, religion, ancestry, or need for special education services. Discrimination against employees and applicants for employment based on age, genetic information, and conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth is also prohibited in accordance with state and/or federal law. Complaint procedures have been established for students, parents, employees, and members of the public. The School District's Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator to address complaints alleging sexual harassment under Title IX is Aaron Henderson, 620 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, [email protected], 303-387-0127.

Outside Agencies

Complaints regarding violations of Title VI, (race, national origin), Title IX (sex, gender), Section 504/ADA (handicap or disability), may be filed directly with the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1244 North Speer Blvd., Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204. Complaints regarding violations of Title VII (employment) and the ADEA (prohibiting age discrimination in employment) may be filed directly with the Federal Office of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 303 E. 17th Ave., Suite 510, Denver, CO 80202, or the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 1050, Denver, CO 80202.

NOTICE OF DESTRUCTION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION RECORDS

Special Education records which have been collected by Douglas County School District related to the identification, evaluation, educational placement, or the provision of special education in the district, must be maintained under state and federal laws for the period of five (5) years after special education services have ended for the student. Special education services end when the student is no longer eligible for services, graduates, or completes his/her educational program at age 21, or moves from the district. This notification is to inform parents/guardians and former students of Douglas County School District's intent to destroy the special education records of students who exited special education services as of June 30, 2016. These records will be destroyed in accordance with state law unless the parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student notifies the school district otherwise. After five years, the records are no longer useful to the district, but may be useful to the parent/guardian or former student in applying for social security benefits, rehabilitation services, college entrance, etc. The parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student may request a copy of the records by requesting the records at this link ( Douglas County School District Transcripts and Records Requests ).