Jasper School Board Holds Public Hearing to Share Widespread Potential Renovations at Schools, Alumni Stadium

By Kris Norton

Jasper – The Greater Jasper Consolidated Schools Board met Monday morning to inform the public of potential renovations coming to the district.

The presentation, created by the Stifel Group, laid out possible scenarios for improvements at Jasper High School, Jasper Middle School, Jasper Elementary, and Ireland Elementary, and Jerry Brewer Alumni Stadium.

Currently, no start dates have been set in stone and there has been no vote on finalized projects. The Greater Jasper Consolidated School Board will host another public hearing on December 20th at 1:00 p.m. in the Jasper High School Community Room.

Below is a breakdown of renovations that were discussed during Monday’s meeting.

Jasper High School

Changes in the high school’s CTE program are driving the cause for an expanded work area. The program – including agriculture, engineering, robotics, wood shop and welding – needs a new layout for functionality and safety, says Superintendent Dr. Tracy Lorey.

“Right now they’re all kind of piled in on top of each other, and sometimes the mix isn’t really good…” Lorey said. “Sparks and fuel don’t really mix really well.”

The proposed re-configuration would include renovation efforts. This effort would extend to the east side.

Ireland Elementary

The addition of class rooms would give the school flexibility to work in shifts to conduct an HVAC and mechanical room project.

Ireland is eyeing the addition of four classrooms at the northeast end of campus, pushing east towards the access road opposite of N 500 W. Newly built classrooms would house kindergarten classes; the current kindergarten classes would transition to Pre-K.

These four new rooms could temporarily house current classrooms while mechanical and HVAC work is being conducted. The current plan is the enlargement of the mechanical room, plus, the addition of boilers. School officials believe the work will lead to more even heat distribution and give them more humidity control.

Ireland would also like to reconfigure the administrative offices in an effort to provide more security at the main entrance.

Jasper Middle School

As the board pointed out, it has been roughly 20 years since the school last saw widespread renovations. The presentation focused on potential roof work and new finishes on the floors throughout the building.

Jerry Brewer Alumni Stadium, Athletics

The board will be considering extensive renovations to the accommodations at Alumni Stadium. The replacement of home and visitor bleachers were at the forefront of the discussion. Additional storage space would be established underneath the bleachers while preserving a walkway to the field.

Additional proposed plans include a new concession stand, adding another locker room, and a new press box. In addition, two new entrances were discussed – with locations at W 4th Street and W 2nd Street.

In other athletic renovations, the board will look at a new drainage system at Ruxer Field, as well as updated bleachers.