Projects were completed across the district, with many more to come.
The 2018 voter-approved Jeffco Public Schools bond was passed by voters a little over a year ago. Since then, the district has been busy at work quickly mobilizing staff, contractors, architects, and school leaders to begin projects. A big year for the Jeffco bond, 2019 saw over $70 million invested in construction and design and $19.8 million delivered to charter schools. More projects will begin in 2020 as facility improvements kickoff to schools districtwide.
Bond 2019 highlights include - but are not limited to - the following:
High School Additions
Four high schools completed the design process for their building improvements: Alameda, Arvada, Columbine, and Green Mountain. At Arvada High School, construction began this year on phase one of their improvements -- a remodel of their 3rd floor. These updated classrooms will welcome students back to school in January 2020.
Track and Field Improvements
Outside spaces at eight Jeffco schools saw major renovations in 2019. Turf field replacements and installations create an environment that is safe and durable for student-athletes, while the all-weather tracks ensure students can run year-round.
Improvements took place at the following schools:
- Arvada H.S.
- Chatfield H.S.
- Conifer H.S.
- Dakota Ridge H.S.
- Evergreen H.S.
- Lakewood H.S.
- Ralston Valley H.S.
- West Jefferson M.S.
Expanding the Warren Tech Family
Jeffco Public Schools’ premier Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center, Warren Tech, has officially selected the site of their third campus, located in the south region of the district. Warren Tech South will be built on the Dakota Ridge High School property in Littleton. A Design Advisory Group (DAG) has already begun working on preliminary plans for the new campus, matching building design to future program needs. The new Warren Tech South campus is anticipated to open in the fall of 2021.
Collaborative Design
Three high schools and four middle schools started their Design Advisory Group (DAG) process in 2019. DAG groups are comprised of school leaders, teachers, students, parents, and community members who work with architects throughout the entire design process for their new building, addition, or renovation. These DAGs will continue into 2020.
Breaking Ground
While 2019 was a big year for planning and design for larger school improvement projects, construction began at three sites. Building additions started at Wilmot Elementary and Three Creeks K - 8, which celebrated a construction milestone with a beam topping off ceremony. The much-anticipated replacement building for Kendrick Lakes Elementary officially broke ground in December of this year.
Highlights of 2020 Plans
Including construction started in 2019, there will be 10 school addition projects in the new year, along with the groundbreaking for the Warren Tech South facility.
Specifically, Jeffco anticipates:
- Completion of the Arvada H.S. addition and renovation
- Completion of the Wilmot E.S. addition and renovation
- Beginning of three H.S. additions and renovations
- Starting construction on three middle schools and one elementary school, projects include additions and renovations
- Starting construction on Warren Tech South
Big changes will come to 15 schools in 2020 through FF&E projects (furniture, fixtures, and equipment). This is the work that really brings the building to life, creating a space that is functional, comfortable, and inspiring.
With the increased construction across Jeffco, the district anticipates investing $175 million in 2020 in bond and capital improvement projects.