Highlands School Board will consider $1.67 million in capital projects for the 2026-27 school year, but the work is not expected to raise taxes.
Stan Whiteman, director of buildings and grounds, presented an overview of the work during Monday’s board meeting. The scope of the project spans the entire district, including concrete work at the middle and elementary schools, new turf at Golden Rams Stadium and a new roof at the maintenance garage.
“This will improve safety and accessibility across the district,” Whiteman said.
He highlighted a $361,000 concrete project that would repair degraded sidewalks at the Early Childhood Center, elementary school and middle school. He showed photos of several areas where pavement is crumbling or lifting, creating tripping hazards.
Board member Kelly Powell attested to the conditions of the steps at the elementary school.
“I was there recently and noticed a big chunk of the pavement missing on one of the steps leading to the front entrance,” she said. “If my foot could get stuck in it, imagine a 7- or 8-year-old’s.”
Whiteman said a $290,000 paving project would target the areas near the stadium and maintenance garage, where there are 16-inch craters and blacktop deterioration.
The work would include inlet and trench drain replacement, as well as line striping work.
A new roof at the maintenance garage also is on the list. The existing roof is original to the building, at least 30 years old, Whiteman said.
“The shingles are worn away, and water pours in when it rains,” he said.
Other work covered by the contracts would include stair treads, painting and carpet at the middle school; new basketball hoops and library carpet at the high school; and a new awning at the administration building. Three new trucks would be purchased for buildings and grounds crews.
“I believe we need it all done,” board member Jeff Thimons said. “I’m just concerned about the money.”
Director of Finance Paul Paradise said costs would be paid with money from the district’s $35.4 million fund balance.
“We have a large amount assigned for capital projects,” he said. “This is actually a very small portion.”
If approved, work is expected to be scheduled this summer and could be completed before the start of school.
The board is expected to vote during its next meeting at 7 p.m. Monday.
Coming Up
Who: Highlands School Board
What: Vote on $1.67 million in capital projects
When: 7 p.m. Monday, May 18
Where: Highlands High School, 1500 Pacific Ave., Harrison