Ash Grove R-4 makes back to school improvements

Upgrades by district made for safety, 'improving overall experience' for community

The time to head back to school is closing in. With that, comes improvements at the Ash Grove R-4 School District. The district is in the midst of completing a swathe of renovations to accommodate students for the upcoming year, in both Ash Grove and Bois D' Arc. Much of the work being done is centered around safety, said Ash Grove Superintendent Dr. Aaron Gerla.

Bois D' Arc is one of the main focuses of this effort to renovate. Currently, there are two projects being implemented, one in the gym and one in the playground. The Bois D’Arc gym, which has been in need of repair for some time now, will be getting padding added throughout to provide a more safe environment. Also on the punch list is the replacement of the floor layer on the playground. Together, it is estimated by Gerla that the Bois D' Arc renovations listed will cost $16,100 total.

In Ash Grove, there will also be some major upgrades coming, though some have already been completed. The elementary school parking lot has already been resurfaced and striped to prepare for the school year. The elementary school has also received an update in the library, which has been renovated according to Gerla. These improvements cost the district a total of $40,000.

In the high school, there will also improvements coming down the pike. This fall, there will be renovations coming to the track, which has already been redone in recent years. The track will be resurfaced and striped, which will cost the district $115,000 alone, said Gerla. The high school will also be completing work on a new sound system for the football field this school year which will come to about $24,000.

Altogether, this renovation effort will end up costing the school about $195,100, but the cost is justified by the improvement to safety and community that it provides, said Gerla.

"All of these projects fall under either improving the safety and security of our students or improving the overall experience of our community while at our facilities,” Gerla said.