District says Willow roof replacement on track before start of school; broader facilities work planned

Superintendent Dr. McAllister updated the Board of Education on Aug. 11 that major facility work at Willow School — including a roof replacement — is underway and expected to be finished by the end of the week to prepare the building for the upcoming school year.

"If you drive down Willow Road, you will see that lift. You will see tons of equipment currently, finishing up that work. And so they have told us that we will have the building, roofing project completed by the end of this week," Dr. McAllister said. He acknowledged the inconvenience for staff returning to work during the project but described the work as necessary for safe and usable classrooms.

McAllister said the district faces significant facility needs and constrained finances but that business manager Dr. Trimberger has been identifying and addressing severe needs. He noted the district replaced work at Churchill last year, is completing the Willow roof this summer, and is planning roof work at James Hart in the coming year.

District leaders asked for patience as crews finish the construction and for support for staff who are working around the project. They said progress will be monitored closely so classrooms are ready when students return. The superintendent and business manager emphasized the long-term benefit of the projects despite short-term disruption.

No formal action or new contract award for the roofing work was on the board agenda that evening; the superintendent framed the update as an operational status report tied to facilities maintenance and capital planning.