Multi-million dollar renovation starts at Bob Jones
Nurses Nancy Bocchino, at left, and Bonnie Davis are glad to see renovations at Bob Jones High School. (CONTRIBUTED)
MADISON – Cardboard boxes, packing tape and patience were important tools as renovation started recently at Bob Jones High School.
April 24 was moving day for many Bob Jones teachers and employees. Throughout the day, the staff moved contents of several key offices to start the multimillion-dollar project for the school.
In 2013, Madison Board of Education approved the upgrades to Madison’s first high school, built almost 20 years ago. The improvements will give the Bob Jones population the latest in technology needs and classroom environments more conducive to learning.
Visitors will now enter the building just south (or to the left) of the main entrance using another door that accesses a classroom hallway. This classroom space has been relocated to accommodate the changes.
The front desk staff, student admissions, clinic and nurses’ station, registrar and other offices have moved to this area from the main lobby.
Bob Jones Principal Robby Parker now has an office on the first floor.
During the summer, the main lobby will receive new lighting, flooring, technology upgrades, paint, furniture and other reconfigurations. Security doors will be installed.
The construction schedule calls for lobby work to be completed in August for the start of the 2014-2015 school year.
Other renovations will occur in stages with an estimated completion date in summer 2015. The HVAC system and flooring will be replaced. Classrooms will receive technological additions and enhancements, along with modernized equipment.
An enclosed walkway will connect the media center to the cafeteria. The gym will be redesigned.
In coming weeks, Madison Board of Education will hear a recommendation on bids, after review by the architect, construction managers and the district’s operations and finance employees.
In addition, the board has approved a $366,080 bid for renovation of the Bob Jones track and field by Competition Athletic Surfaces.
