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Kenston outlines $1.575 million PI project list; Timmons playground slated for full replacement
Summary
Superintendent presented a prioritized list of PI levy projects funded by the district's 1-mill PI levy, highlighting a full replacement of the Timmons playground this summer, concession stand and stadium repairs, safety upgrades and a plan for public transparency on spending.
Kenston Local School District officials on Monday gave a progress update on projects funded by the district's 1-mill PI (Permanent Improvement) levy, saying the district's projected total for 2025–26 is $1.575 million and that safety-related work is a top priority.
The superintendent presented a spreadsheet of PI projects and described which items had been ordered, scheduled or were awaiting final quotes. She said the total projected PI cost for 2025–26 is slightly more than the revenue the levy generates and that the district previously covered the difference with transfers and prioritized safety work.
Key projects and schedule: The board was told that Timmons Playground will be fully removed and replaced, with new equipment and rubber surfacing; officials said the existing equipment dates to the building's original installation more than 30 years ago and that inspectors found failures that could not be repaired. The district plans removal in late July and installation in August, with vendors and designs vetted in partnership with a PTO member who works in playground design.
Other capital items discussed included: - Stadium and track: Turf was cleaned and sanitized this year; the district said the track resurfacing price came in much higher than expected and the district is staging the work for future fiscal years. - Concession stand: Electrical, roofing, siding and door replacements have been completed following fire marshal comments. - Safety and technology: New door access, entry buzzers and upgraded cameras for nine entries; vape detectors and new AED units are being procured districtwide. - Student projects and repairs: Student-led project bathroom dividers at the high school will be installed; speed humps to slow traffic on campus are under consideration with an eye toward removable units to allow snow removal.
Transparency and budget: The superintendent said the district will provide a finalized list with actual dollar amounts and completion dates when school resumes in September. "This list will be updated with the actual dollar amounts, where things came in, and we'll be able to show the community when the project finished, how much was spent," she said.
Questions from board members covered playground longevity (officials estimated a 30-plus year lifespan for a new playground), whether the playground replacement is a full tear-out and where speed humps might be placed. No formal vote was required Monday; the projects were presented as status and planning updates.
What to watch for: The district said it will post an updated PI report at the end of the summer or beginning of the school year showing final costs, timelines and status.
