Loveland Magazine just received this Press Release from the Loveland City School District
Loveland Board of Education Approves a Facility Master Plan
“It is our obligation as a board of education to do all that we can to make sure our students have the educational spaces they need to advance their learning and growth.” – Art Jarvis, president
At its business meeting on April 16, 2019, the Loveland Board of Education approved a facility master plan for the school district. The plan is the result of extensive work over the past year with district staff, community members and a contracted architectural firm, which has involved a broad series of community meetings and focus group sessions.
In summary, the adopted master plan addresses urgent facility needs by creating new buildings, as well as renovating and repairing existing facilities:
- Construction of a new campus with three school buildings (Pre-K/K; 1st-2ndgrade; 3rd-5thgrade) on a parcel of land the district has the option to purchase.
- Repairs and renovations to the Loveland High School (LHS) campus, such as upgrades and repairs to infrastructure, including security access, as well as enhanced renovation and repurposing of key educational spaces within the current building. The plan also calls for additions to the educational square footage at LHS by creating a new auditorium and adjoining academic space, as well as updates to the athletic facilities.
- Repairs and renovations of the Loveland Intermediate/Middle School campus buildings, such as upgrades and repairs to infrastructure, including security, and enhanced renovation and repurposing of key educational spaces within the current building. The plan also includes updates to athletic facilities.
“After several months of studying the options developed by the architects, the board approved this master plan unanimously as a formal guide for the district’s facility work going forward,” said Dr. Kathryn Lorenz, board vice president. “A number of factors went into the decision to choose this plan over the others; at the forefront were the needs of our students, the cost of the plans and the phasing to complete the projects.”
The master planning process has involved a comprehensive assessment of school facilities, showing that, while the buildings have been well maintained over the years, they are in dire need of repairs, renovations and additions to meet the needs of an increasing student population and a 21stcentury delivery of education. Three school buildings – built in 1941 (Loveland Elementary School), 1957 (Loveland Primary School) and 1963 (Loveland Early Childhood Center) – were determined to have a high renewal index (the ratio of cost to maintain over time, and the cost to build new), making construction of new buildings significantly more cost-effective.
“Our school buildings are important to ensure a high quality of education and a safe learning environment for all of our students and staff,” said Dr. Amy Crouse, superintendent. “The adoption of this plan is a step in the right direction. If we do nothing, our students’ educational needs will continue to be compromised by the ineffectiveness of our school buildings.”
The board is expected to vote on a funding recommendation later this spring and to place a bond issue on the November 5, 2019 ballot. Provided it is approved by the Loveland City School District voters, the first phase of the master plan could be completed as early as 2022, with students occupying the new Pre-K – 5thgrade campus at the start of the 2022-23 school year.
“I want to thank everyone who has been involved in the master planning process up to this point,” said Jarvis. “I appreciate the dedication and passion of our community members, including district parents, students, teachers, staff and the many others who have made invaluable contributions along the way.”
Details about the Loveland City School District facility master plan will be published in the coming days on www.buildingtigernation.org.
