ROCK SPRINGS – With a tight budget and space still an issue, Sweetwater County School District No. 1 has again turned to an old school for help.

Recently, the school board approved a contract with Plan One Architects in the amount of $84,840 for the design of a partial renovation of Lowell School. The renovation includes a fire suppression system, fire alarm system and upgrades to a portion of the lower level

The space will be used by Special Education Alternative Academics and Transition Program. The money for the project is funded with major maintenance dollars which are funds that come from the state.

At the recent board meeting, trustee Gordon Mickelson spoke in favor of the project but did have one big concern. With many of the older buildings, there are issues with asbestos. He questioned Building and Ground Director Dan Selleroli about this.

Selleroli said part of the project would include isolating the lower portion from the rest of the building.

Wamsutter
Desert School in Wamsutter will also get a few upgrades. SWCSD No. 1 will be upgrading the fire system. Selleroli said since the system is outdated, the district will also have to upgrade the school’s phone system as part of the fire system upgrades.

Rock Springs Junior High
The district will also be working on the parking lot at the Rock Springs Junior High this summer. Selleroli showed the board several areas of the parking lot which has considerable damage. He said while some of the increased damage is due to this past summer’s flooding, the parking area has a drainage issue with water coming down from the football field that is also causing problems.

Summer Projects
Walnut – closed for renovation
Westridge – closed for renovation
Overland – Signage
Washington – boiler replacement
Lincoln – boiler replacement