In a called meeting Monday, the Florence School District 3 Board of Trustees approved $20 million for capital improvement projects throughout the district.
Among the planned capital improvement projects that will focus on three major areas of district-wide improvements: Academics, Arts, and Athletics.
The capital improvement projects will be funded through an equipment acquisition agreement (ACQ) with a lender, such as a national, regional or local bank. The first funded project from the ACQ Financing is $5.8 million for significant HVAC repairs, innovative building automation system, lighting enhancements and crucial electrical infrastructure replacements at Lake City Early Childhood Center. This project, expected to take place this summer, is a continuation of a partnership with Schneider Electric that began earlier this year.
The initial phase is concentrating on advancing weatherization and performing comprehensive roof repairs at the school. The initial improvements, which will cost $741,016, are funded by the district’s remaining federal ESSER funds. Completion of this initial phase is expected by the end of the year.
The board will hold a work session to create a prioritized list of projects for the remaining funds.
“We are thrilled to take this significant step toward enhancing the learning environments for our students and staff,” said FSD3 Superintendent Dr. Laura Hickson. “This investment will allow us to address essential infrastructure needs, such as HVAC repairs and lighting upgrades, ensuring that our schools are comfortable, safe, and equipped to support our students’ growth. We look forward to continued progress as we work to make Florence School District 3 a place where students and teachers can thrive,” Dr. Hickson said.