Articles
Facilities Construction
The Franklin Public School District values facilities that enhance student learning in a safe, secure and nurturing environment. We envision school buildings designed and maintained that can be adapted to the dynamic and evolving needs of students and community members. We will plan our facilities to meet the student enrollment needs, while being mindful of the potential for community growth. These flexible learning environments will be cost effective, energy efficient and sustainable while maximizing our existing resources.
On November 6th, 2012, residents in the Franklin Public School District approved two facilities projects- An academic addition at Franklin High School and an Auditorium and Music Addition at Franklin High School.
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Question #1- High School Question #2- High School
Academic Addition/Expansion Music and Auditorium Addition
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High School Construction Update
In November, school district voters approved two referendum questions for additions and renovations at Franklin High School.
Over the past months, the District and its construction and architectural partners were busy working on the construction documentation and city/state approvals needed to move forward with the building process.
Site work is beginning now and will continue through summer and the upcoming school year. At this time, we estimate site work and new additions to be completed by September 2014, with renovations and remodeling to the existing building continuing through fall 2014 and 2015.
Throughout the process of construction, we thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we manage the inconveniences that will come with this large project. The district has student and community safety as a priority and will continue to communicate building access information.
Due to construction, there will be no Community Education and Recreation Department swim lessons held at Franklin High School this summer. The construction will limit parking and increase equipment traffic, making the site unsuitable for safe public access.
We have partnered with Innovative Health and Fitness for limited swim lessons at their facility. Please check the Rec Department website for times and dates of those lessons.
We thank you for your understanding in this time of transition.
Franklin Public Schools Celebrates Groundbreaking
Franklin Public Schools held a Groundbreaking Ceremony for the construction projects scheduled to begin this summer at Franklin High School on April 17, 2013. Despite the rain, the district and the community came together to celebrate the occasion.
School district leaders began by acknowledging the role that the community played in the facilities planning process. "This is all certainly not possible unless you have a community that supports education, " said Superintendent Dr. Steve Patz, "And certainly the Franklin community supports education as a result of passing this referendum. We are very appreciative as a school district that is able to take place."
Board of Education President Janet Evans agreed, "We clearly have an alumni, a staff, and a community that has an investment in public education."
Principal of FHS Mike Nowak noted how the facilities planning process started a long time ago, and how it feels to be approaching the end. "To begin to think about the future-moving forward-is very, very exciting."
He did note that the construction itself would be a logistical challenge for staff and students. However, Nowak said, "It's all going to be worth it in the end because it will be such a great place. This is something that is going to be transformative and change the way we do business. Our students and our community are truly going to benefit."
Franklin Mayor Tom Taylor echoed Mr. Nowak’s statements. "The center of Franklin will shift here and stay here for years to come because this addition with its auditorium and enhancements will be the new meeting place in Franklin".
Construction on Franklin High School is scheduled to begin early this summer. The proposed additions are expected to finish about summer 2014, with the remodeling lasting up to one additional year. The final completion is estimated to be in late 2015.
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Project Managers from Eppstein Uhen Architects presented the Board of Education with an update on the facilities project at the January 23rd Board meeting. Please click here to view their presentation. More updates will be provided as they are available.
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On behalf of the Franklin Public School District, we would like to thank all of the community members, parents, and staff members who provided input to the facilities planning process by taking surveys, attending meetings and events, voting, and contacting the district for more information. The involvement of the district community was an essential component of the planning and its success.
As a result of the November 6th election, two of the three facilities-related referendum questions passed: Question 1- Franklin High School Academic Addition/Expansion and Question 2- Franklin High School Music and Auditorium Addition.
Starting immediately, the district will begin a design phase of the approved projects that is expected to last for 8-10 months. There will be site work and other preparation work starting in the summer 2013. The proposed additions are expected to finish about one year after completion of design or the summer of 2014. The remodeling may last up to another year, for a total construction time of two years, with a final completion in late 2015.
The phasing and sequence for all work is planned to avoid disruption and minimize inconvenience to class time, school events and normal operations. The work areas will be separated from the student areas to maximize safety and security for the students and staff. Some adjustments in schedules or locations may occur during the course of the projects.
Ongoing communications will be provided throughout the construction process. In addition to the normal methods of school, parent and community communication, special notices will be used to provide accurate and timely information.
Again, thank you for your support of the Franklin Public Schools.
For more information, contact the District office at 414-525-7603.
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