XENIA — Students returning to school this week might notice things look a little different — in a good way. A lot of improvements were made to facilities, classrooms, and buildings in the Xenia school district over the summer.
In total, the maintenance and improvements represent an investment of more than $2.5 million in school facilities.
“During my time with Xenia Schools, we have made a serious commitment to create the best-possible learning spaces for our students and teachers,” said Dr. Gabe Lofton, superintendent. “Making sure that maintenance is completed is a big part of keeping that promise to our families, while deferring needed repairs simply places an unnecessary burden on future students and staff. As any homeowner can tell you, completing ongoing repairs and maintenance is better for the day-to-day experience for our students today, and is also more cost-effective in the long run.”
Xenia Preschool received an upgraded fire alarm system.
All of the elementary schools received fresh interior paint.
Arrowood, and Cox also received new flooring in common areas (such as hallways and the cafeteria).
McKinley Elementary received new flooring in common areas and the parking lot was repaired and sealed.
Shawnee Elementary received fresh interior paint and the parking lot repaired and sealed.
According to school officials, funds for maintenance at the elementary buildings came from the Classroom Facilities Maintenance Fund.
The board office had ceiling tiles replaced and furniture added in the reception area and the parking lot was repaired and sealed.
New Warner Middle will have a large multi-purpose student commons area with learning stairs, large windows, and a stage for events and performances. This area will also serve as the cafeteria. A new electives area will include choral and band rooms. Warner Middle School students will be transferring to the new Warner Middle School in January 2025. After the move, the former Warner Middle School will be demolished to create a bus stop, drop off zone, and much-needed parking. An estimated 750 students and 100 staff members will make the move to the new building.
“There will be outdoor learning and gathering space in the courtyard and a regulation gym that can seat 700 plus guests,” Lofton said. “Also an academic wing with one floor for each grade that will be packed with learning labs, classrooms with flexible seating and work space, small group study areas, and distributed media centers.”
The school-based health center will be located near the front entrance but will have a separate entrance to accommodate students during school breaks. It will continue to be staffed by a Dayton Children’s nurse practitioner who will see students from every building.
Xenia High School received fresh interior paint and a new roof on the school’s B-wing. However, at a little over $1 million, the costs of the roof replacement at the high school exceeded that. Funds from the general fund were approved in March by the board to cover the costs. Other projects were funded by the permanent improvement fund.
New lighting, doors with safety glass, and carpet were added to the school’s entry way. The school’s library/media center received new ceiling tiles, new carpet, and furniture. Exterior garage doors were also replaced at the high school. Security upgrades funding is covered by the Ohio Schools Safety Grant.
Reach Karen Rase at 937-502-4534.
