After a few years of planning, the Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corp. will begin to renovate the Edgewood school buildings.
Matt Irwin, assistant superintendent for Richland-Bean Blossom Community Schools, said the corporation got approval for the renovation plan in March, and received a bond issuance of $40 million to spend on six projects.
Part of the planning process included doing a school-wide facility study to get a better idea of what needed changing. He talked to staff, principals and engineers – and held public meetings to get community input on what renovations should be done.
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“What’s really exciting is that this bond issuance touches almost every piece our school corporation,” Irwin said. “Whether it’s a preschool student or high school student or elementary student, it’s going to improve the services and facilities that we’re able to provide them for their education.”
One of the major renovations being done includes doubling the size of the preschool to provide daycare for the staff and reduce the waitlist.
“To get off to a great start in their educational career, those early years are so pivotal to their success and in their educational journey,” Irwin said. “We’re going to do our very best to make sure that starts off on the best foot possible.”
Irwin said the Student Activity Center will be expanded in order to host more clubs and sports and community events. The high school kitchen will also be renovated to give direct entry for food drop off and accommodate the growing student population.
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Carpet and paint will be redone in the primary and intermediate buildings, energy efficient LED lighting will be installed and safety and security will be enhanced.
“It’s really important that our students and staff are able to come to and learn in a space that’s well equipped and provides for the diverse needs of our learners today,” Irwin said. “Things rapidly change in education, and it’s important we’re able to adapt to those needs, provide for those needs and plan for them.”
Irwin said he does not expect any parts of the buildings to close down while work is being done. Renovations are expected to be completed by the start of the 2025-26 school year.