Over the summer, the Algoma School District moved full-steam ahead on a slate of facility upgrades following voter approval of a $10.2 million referendum in April 2024.

At the elementary campus, crews replaced 90-year-old plumbing and installed a new roof.   At the middle/high school, work included parking-lot replacement, track resurfacing, and updates to the performing-arts center’s lighting, sound system and ceiling tiles.

Looking ahead, Algoma is preparing to complete remaining phases of the referendum work including replacement of windows and entryways at the elementary school, additional safety upgrades, and finalizing the track and parking-lot work.  Algoma School District Superintendent Jesse Brinkmann is happy with the work that has been accomplished, but knows there is more to do.

Meanwhile, the Gibraltar Area School District is well into its major multi-phase renovation project, approved by voters in early 2023 under a nearly $29.8 million referendum.

Over the summer’s first phase, the district demolished the old choir room and piano lab at the back of the building to make way for a new kitchen and classroom wing.  Also underway are substantial upgrades to accessibility features, including wider doorways, ramps and a new elevator.  After extensive demolition this summer, Phase two will include the construction of a new gymnasium, expanded front entrance, cafeteria and administrative wing.