California R-I students have begun the new school year. As the 2014-15 school year began Thursday, Aug. 14, the students returned to the same school facilities as last year, but with a lot of changes, due at least in part to the bond issue passed by the voters in April.
At the West Buchanan Street high school campus, the completed and on-going construction presents a whole different look for the returning students.
The new artificial turf football field with new bleachers, concession stand / restroom building and press box, surrounded by a new fence gives a new look to the entire area. And that is without mentioning the addition making the weight room a multipurpose facility. Of course, one of the most important improvements to many is the paved parking lot at the back of the school between the auditorium and the Ag buildings. That "small" improvement should reduce the aggravation of parking behind the school in rainy or snowy weather.
The work at the high school is by no means done, either. A new scoreboard with video rivaling those of any high school sports complex will be completed later, thanks to the E.M. Burger Foundation. Two steel arches reading "Riley Field...Home of the Pintos" are to be installed over the two new entryways to the football field, thanks to the Quarterback Club. A large addition has yet to be completed on the Ag building.
The first change to be noticed by students arriving by bus at the Elementary and Middle Schools at the Owen Street campus are the covered walkways. Inside the elementary building, students have the benefit of remodeled restroom facilities. Other less noticeable changes include new more energy efficient windows.
There are other changes at all the schools, but many are less likely to be noticed immediately. Those include heating, air conditioning, lighting and network infrastructure upgrades.
One change, which will affect visitors more than students, is the security system at all the schools. Previously visitors opened the front door and presented themselves to the office staff. Beginning this year, the new security measures require visitors to be buzzed in. A camera and intercom are mounted next to the doors.