"Getting closer."
That is how Greencastle Community School Corporation superintendent Jeff Gibboney summed up the current upgrades and improvements that have taken place across the district.
Greencastle High School, Greencastle Middle School, Ridpath Primary, Deer Meadow Primary and Tzouanakis Intermediate have all seen work done in recent months, and there is still work to be done, according to Gibboney.
In his Superintendent's Report, Gibboney told the school board Monday night "things are looking more complete."
"Things are looking more complete. Eager for it to be done, but want it done right," Gibboney said.
The project, which came with a price tag of almost $32 million, began with work at Harbison Stadium, which included over a million dollars in upgrades to the playing surface and facility. At Greencastle High School, an indoor connector was added, connecting Greencastle High School to McAnally Center, as well as a new entrance to McAnally, an expansion of the cafeteria and kitchen space, new flooring in the science lab and second floor classrooms being redone.
At Greencastle Middle School, there were several upgrades, including a new office, new media center, a new nurse's station and revamped classrooms. Upgrades also took place at Ridpath, Deer Meadow and Tzouanakis, including secure entrances, sidewalk work and other upgrades.
Gibboney said he wants the project closer to being done before holding an open house, noting there are a few items left to be completed, including the installation of handrails at the football field and other items to do.
"We are getting a lot closer and occupying more spaces. It is very exciting, but I want it closer to being done before welcoming the public to an open house," Gibboney told The Putnam County Post.
While this project is nearing a finish, Gibboney requested authorization to advertise a notice of a public hearing for a future building project.
As he has said before, Gibboney said this project is more about the district keeping up with its maintenance program, while being respectful of funds.
"We owe it to the community to take great care of our facilities and provide opportunities for our students. We are working on finishing the large project, but this one will not be on the same magnitude," Gibboney said.
Gibboney told the board there are some maintenance needs that have to be addressed, including the paving of a parking lot at the high school, as well as flooring and lighting.
"We do not want to raise our tax rate," said Gibboney, adding the next project could be in the neighborhood of $2 to 2.5 million.
Board member Brian Cox said while he likes the idea of maintaining things around the district, he wants to keep the tax rate the same. The board voted 4-0 in favor of authorizing the advertising of the future public hearing.
In other board news, the board voted 4-0 in favor of a 2026 spring break trip to Budapest, Vienna and Prague, as well as voting 4-0 in favor of raising the prices on four a la carte prices. The price changes are as follows: Lipton Tea (16.9 oz) going from $1.75 to $2, SF Soda (20 oz.) going from $2 to $2.50, 20 ounce Gatorade increasing from $2 to $2.50 and 12 ounce Gatorade increasing from $1.35 to $1.50. The new prices, which will go into effect April 1, are the result of rising food costs.
The board also voted 4-0 in favor of a proposal for 1:1 devices for students in grades K-2. Gibboney said the devices are in need of being refreshed and will be replaced with Chromebooks through Dell, as they were the lowest bidder.
"We have the funds to cover the cost. We were very particular with looking how expensive things are," Gibboney said.
Cox asked if the devices were taking the place of actual instruction with books, and Gibboney said no.
"The device is a tool to enhance learning. By no means are our students stuck in front of a screen all day," Gibboney said.
Cox said he was not against the devices, but that he felt it was a "good idea" to look at the use of devices from time to time.
"It is exciting and it will be nice to devote more time to academics. Safety, secure access and 21st Century learning opportunities were the three big things we heard about from our stakeholders. We are always trying to evolve, adapt and overcome. We always have a list of needs in the background. We want to keep up with our maintenance program and be respectful of funds, but we owe it to the community to take great care of our facilities and provide opportunities for our students. It takes a collective effort," Gibboney said.
