By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
Ellis USD 388 showed off the work for its completed $4.55 million bond projects during an open house on Tuesday night.
Work was completed on Washington Elementary School and Ellis Jr./Sr. High School.
Work at the high school included renovations to the junior high and high school science rooms.
The fixed tables were replaced by tables on wheels so the teachers could rearrange the space as needed for activities and experiments. Both rooms also have additional storage.
The main office at the junior high/high school was remodeled to include a secure entrance. Other exterior doors and part of the roof were replaced.
The flooring throughout Washington Elementary School was replaced. The new floors will not require waxing.
About $2.38 million of the bond was budgeted to replace the HVAC system at the elementary school.
The school was being cooled by window air-conditioning units, which Principal John Befort said were noisy.
He said the boiler system was more than 25 years old, well beyond its lifespan.
He anticipates the new system will be more energy efficient and provide a more comfortable climate for students and staff in the classrooms.
About 60 percent of Washington Elementary School's roof was replaced, but Befort said the district hopes to replace the rest of the roof within the next year through insurance funds from hail damage and capital outlay money.
Superintendent Janice Wilson said she was grateful to the Ellis community for supporting the bond.
"We want to thank the Ellis community for seeing the need. That's really the big thing. It's been a great process. I feel we got done what the community expected," Wilson said. "Hopefully, there's a bond in the future to address some more of the maintenance things."
SEE RELATED STORY: Voters to decide Ellis USD 388 bond issue Thursday
SEE RELATED STORY: Ellis USD 388 bond issue proposal passes by wide margin
