Officials Say Mitchell Needs Updates

A report about describes the site as adequate, but identifies needs, such as remedying lead paint and asbestos, expanding key spaces and improving playground equipment. 

Mitchell, 3521 Jewel Drive, was built on a 10-acre site in 1970 and was expanded in 1989 to 37,800 square feet. Mitchell would be one of two schools repaired, if a measure before voters is approved next week.

Voters will be asked if they would support a $65 million bond referendum to build three new schools, repair two existing schools and reopen Roosevelt Elementary School on Sept. 13. AmesPatch will post information on the condition of each school building and what the district has said it will cost to repair it leading up to the Sept. 13 election.

A 2010 State of the District Properties Report for facilities, identifies the Mitchell site as adequate for new building construction will the existing space remains in use.

The report recommends evaluating site lighting from building to parking lot for safety reason, sanitary sewer service and capacity and storm sewer service and capacity.

The report identifies asbestos concerns in acoustical ceiling texture, floor tile and boiler piping, as well as potential lead in paint, and says it lacks a fire sprinkler system. Numerous other items are noted for replacement such as the boiler, condensors and chillers.

District officials estimate it will cost $7.7 million to renovate Mitchell. That would be covered by the referendum.

The Sept. 13 ballot question follows below:

Shall the Board of Directors of the Ames Community School District in the County of Story, State of Iowa, be authorized to contract indebtedness and issue General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $65,000,000 to provide funds to build, furnish, and equip elementary school buildings and improve the sites therefore (including demolition) at the District property on 24^th Street, the current Meeker Elementary site, and District property on Miller Avenue; and to reconstruct, repair, improve, remodel, furnish and equip the Mitchell, Roosevelt and Sawyer elementary buildings and sites? 

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