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.
“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.