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Lakeland School project update: new carpeting, courtyard sunshades, siding replacement planning, sensory room on schedule
Summary
County staff updated the board on multiple Lakeland School capital projects: classroom and administrative carpeting replaced, courtyard sunshade bids pending, exterior siding replacement planned for 2026, sensory room construction due to finish this month, and gym audio staged in two phases because of structural concerns.
Walworth County Department of Public Works staff gave the Children with Disabilities Education Board a multi-project update July 16 covering ongoing and planned capital work at Lakeland School, including completed carpeting, courtyard repairs, a planned siding replacement, a sensory-room build, and phased work on gym audio and the stage.
Completed and ongoing projects Staff reported that carpeting and baseboards have been replaced in classrooms, speech and language areas, administrative offices and therapy staff rooms. The new carpeting is expected to last about 15 years if well maintained.
Courtyard and sunshade work Courtyard sunshade replacement and pergola bench rebuilding are out for public bid; staff said they hope to award a contract in July or August and start work in August. Work includes rust removal, paint and pergola repairs. Staff noted weather could extend the timeline.
Exterior siding and front colonnade refresh Staff described deterioration of the tan fiber-cement siding (fading, fracturing and water infiltration). The county negotiated a one-time payout of about $14,000 from the original siding vendor, CertainTeed; staff said CertainTeed has since gone out of business. Garland (an assessing firm) recommended full siding replacement in courtyard and second-floor areas, with cedar-shade refinishing and board replacement as needed. Staff said the siding project is tentatively budgeted at $530,000, planned for bid in 2026 and execution thereafter; the front-entry colonnade will receive a refresh and repainting, with test-cleaning methods being evaluated to avoid a full sand-down that would significantly increase cost.
Sensory room, cubbies and gym audio Construction of a multi-faceted sensory environment is ongoing; staff anticipated construction completion by the end of the month and that FF&E installation would occur the week of Aug. 11 so the room is ready for the next school year. Cubby/locker replacements are in fabrication with lead times pushing installation to an October break or winter break.
Gym stage audio A planned line-array speaker installation above the gym stage raised structural concerns about the load. Staff split the project into two phases: Phase 1 (completed) installed dependent speakers to cover daily needs and replaced damaged wall panels; structural steel reinforcement is underway so the line-array speakers can be safely installed. Staff warned that vendor scheduling and required work could require a partial three-day shutdown of the gym area during installation.
Mechanical systems, pool and transport All three boilers have been rebuilt over the past three years; boiler 2 was rebuilt in June to extend life. A pool alkalinity-management unit was installed this summer. A passenger van ordered for student transport remains on track for September delivery; staff said the CARA Foundation has donated funds and will be updated about delivery.
Security project and RFP Department of Public Works is developing an RFP for a countywide security project that would include school exterior security and broader county facilities.
Outcome and next steps This was an informational update; board members asked clarifying questions about schedules, budgets and contractor selection. Staff will proceed with bidding and scheduling and return with contract awards and schedule confirmations as projects progress.
