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Mehlville R-IX officials unveil $50M capital plan covering restrooms, doors, playgrounds and athletic turf

Mehlville R-IX Board of Education · February 19, 2026

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Summary

District leaders presented a three-year capital project plan that estimates roughly $34M available in FY26 with conservative planning for $50M–$55M across FY26–28; priorities include restrooms, door/security upgrades, parking lots and athletic facilities.

Mehlville R-IX financial and facilities leaders presented a multi-year capital plan Wednesday that prioritizes site improvements, accessibility upgrades, safety and instructional space work and estimates substantial capital funds available for the next three years.

CFO Marshall Crutcher said the district expects roughly $34 million available in capital funds by the end of fiscal 2026 and projects additional allocations in fiscal 2027 and 2028, with conservative planning targeting $50 million across the three-year window (administration noted a potential upside to $55 million). The capital list includes a large number of projects that require further specification before bids are solicited.

John Diwali, who chaired the Facilities Steering Committee, said the list grew from more than 900 community feedback items and work with an 80-member committee representing staff, parents and community members. The committee highlighted priorities including restroom modernization (the district noted 271 restrooms across 18 schools), door and entry security (1,840 doors reviewed, 1,146 doors judged to fall short of desired security standards), parking lot repairs, ADA access projects and instructional space upgrades.

Chronic facility needs and the age of buildings informed the plan: board members noted many buildings date from the 1970s. Administration said specific projects will be returned to the board for March and April approvals once bid specs and more precise cost estimates are developed.

Administrators emphasized urgency to approve bid packages in time to complete much of the work during summer months, while also stressing conservative phasing and fiscal prudence.

The plan will proceed as projects are specified and brought to the board for separate approvals and bids.