Middle school facilities assessment finds roughly $35 million in prioritized maintenance needs

Consultants from PRA presented a facility condition assessment of Fort Atkinson Middle School to the district board on Nov. 20, identifying prioritized maintenance needs and cost estimates for the next decade.

Nick Kent, architect and partner at PRA, introduced the assessment and said the work updated the district’s 2018 review. Doug Kunde, project manager and architect, described the non‑destructive survey method and condition categories: accessibility, site, exterior, interior, safety/security and building systems. He said accessibility, site and exterior were rated poor; interior fair; and systems fair to poor, citing aging HVAC unit ventilators and rooftop units.

Kunde presented cost estimates grouped into three priority levels: Level 1 (items to address within two years) totaled about $17,000,000; Level 2 (3–5 years) about $8,000,000; and Level 3 (6–10 years) about $10,000,000 — a combined total of roughly $35,000,000. The consultants stressed these estimates reflect the cost to bring the building to a baseline, maintainable condition rather than to modernize learning spaces.

Trustees asked follow‑up questions about accessibility triggers and specific items. PRA confirmed the elevator replacement is listed as a priority‑1 maintenance item and that some bathrooms and door clearances currently do not meet modern accessibility expectations. The team reported the original building was constructed in 1911 with additions in 1951, 1960 and 1982 and said structural components observed appeared sound despite aging materials.

PRA said it will complete updated facility assessments for the district’s remaining five buildings and deliver those reports in late winter or early spring. The presentation was informational; the board took no formal action on facilities funding or design that evening.