When summer arrives and students depart their classrooms, a different kind of hustle and bustle begins within Kyrene School District. Unlike the usual excitement of school days, the summer months are a critical period for extensive construction projects that ensure Kyrene schools remain safe, functional, and conducive to learning.

These projects often go unnoticed by the public and are intentionally planned to minimize disruption for both students and staff.

“We leverage the breaks in the school year, especially during the summer, to carry out most of our work with minimal impact," said Kyrene Director of Facilities Mason Meade. "This timing allows us to address major projects efficiently, ensuring our schools are in optimal condition for the start of the school year."

Projects this summer included a new roof installation at Kyrene del Milenio Elementary School in Ahwatukee, a fitness room renovation at Kyrene Middle School in Tempe, and a campus-wide restroom renovation at Kyrene de la Mariposa Computer Science Academy in Tempe. These improvements are part of a broader strategy to address the needs of aging school facilities.

“The average age of our schools is approximately 35 years, so a comprehensive plan ensures resources are allocated optimally to support student achievement,” Meade shared. "Careful planning allows us to make the most of our resources and maintain a high standard of facilities throughout the district."

That careful planning comes in the form of a Capital Master Plan, an extensive document that outlines the work to be done over 10 years. The document is created with input from both school and district leaders before being brought forward to the Governing Board and community each spring.

Projects in the Capital Master Plan range from installing energy-efficient lighting solutions and furniture purchases to new roofs and HVAC improvements. Multiply these items by 25 - the number of schools within Kyrene - and the cost quickly exceeds the amount of capital funding provided by the state, referred to as District Additional Assistance.

“Kyrene typically allocates around $15-18 million annually for facility improvements, maintenance and grounds work,” Kyrene Chief Financial Officer, Chris Herrmann, explained. “However, we receive just over $7 million annually from state funding.”

Helping to bridge that gap is funding generated from bond sales, authorized by the community through voter-approved initiatives. “Each brick laid, wire installed, and classroom refurbished is a direct result of the community’s trust and generosity,” Herrmann added. “Without the additional support from bonds and overrides, it would be impossible for us to meet the standards we strive to provide to our students and staff.”

As the school year resumes, the visible and tangible results of this community investment will benefit students and staff alike, fostering a safe, functional, and vibrant atmosphere for the 2024-25 school year.