Indian River School District will spend more than $1.5 million this summer to replace roofs at Dodgertown Elementary and Rosewood Magnet schools, install a new fire alarm system at Sebastian River High School, and purchase new food service equipment for school buildings throughout the district.
Some of the infrastructure improvements, which have already been approved by the board, are scheduled to begin in early June, including roof work, according to a 2019 summer projects schedule that the school board reviewed at its May 28 work session. All of the projects are being paid for by capital funds.
Jon Teske, assistant superintendent of operations, told the board during previous meetings that the roof work, the fire alarm system and installation of most of the new food service equipment will be completed by the time school resumes in August.
According to contracts that the district has already signed with contractors to do the work, the new fire alarm system at Sebastian High School will cost $548,680.
The $500,000 for new food service equipment will include new ovens, steamers, warming cabinets and reach-in coolers at various school buildings. Sebastian Middle School will receive $107,916 worth of new food service equipment, and Treasure Coast Elementary, $97,325.
The board voted unanimously on May 14 to pay Tech Systems, Inc. $297,270 to replace the roof at Dodgertown Elementary. Hamilton Roofing, Inc. will be paid $305,000 to replace the roof at Rosewood Magnet.
According to the district’s 2019 summer projects schedule, the district will have to do additional work to the new kitchen that was built at Pelican Island Elementary last summer. Due to settling, the district had to place helical piers to support the foundation. Additional piers will be installed this summer.
Contractors will also return to the school to demolish existing concrete slab in the storage room and re-pour a new slab. The cost of that work was not provided.