Boise bond update: What’s done and what’s next

It’s been a busy week of ribbon cutting ceremonies for the Boise School District as administrators unveil new buildings at Timberline High, Amity Elementary and the Dehryl A. Dennis Career and Technical Education Center.

This comes after voters approved a $172.5 million bond issue in March 2017.

The district has already spent $46.6 million towards capital expenditures and $4.8 million towards maintenance projects since June. The bond money will be used to rebuild six elementary schools, add another elementary school in the growing Harris Ranch area of Southeast Boise and bankroll maintenance work at 41 district facilities.

What’s done

Amity Elementary: A new school replaces an old design dating back to 1978. The old Amity building featured a grass and earth roof designed to provide improved insulation, but it was plagued with flooding problems.

The new Amity building offers larger classrooms, enhanced safety features, a gym, cafeteria and performing arts space. The hallway features six murals commemorating Amity’s past.

Dehryl A. Dennis Career and Technical Education Center: The center now has a new building that provides space for electrical, plumbing and heating and air conditioning programs, and upgrades to certified nurse assistant, dental assistant, emergency medical technician and graphic design programs.

Timberline High: This complex now has a building addition for science labs and art classrooms.

What’s under construction

Boise High: The gym is undergoing a remodel, expected to be completed by March 2019, and a new building addition to the performing arts center is expected to be complete in January 2019.

Fairmont Junior High: This complex will get a new gym, cafeteria and parking lot.

Hillside Junior High: This complex will get a new gym, cafeteria and performing arts classroom additions.

Maple Grove Elementary: The gym will be rebuilt and classrooms added.

Taft Elementary: This school will receive a gym and kitchen remodel.

Whittier Elementary: This school will be rebuilt and it’s planned to be completed in December.

What’s next

Highlands Elementary: This school will be rebuilt with physical education and music classrooms added. This is in the design process.

Mountain View Elementary: This school will be rebuilt with physical education and music classrooms added. This is in the design process.

Construction projects to start in 2020-23: Harris Ranch Elementary, Highlands Elementary, Koelsch Elementary, Mountain View Elementary, Pierce Park Elementary and Washington Elementary.

Construction projects to start in 2023-26: Collister Elementary, Hawthorne, Elementary, Hillcrest Elementary, Jefferson Elementary, Longfellow Elementary, Roosevelt Elementary, Valley View Elementary.

Andrew Reed

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