Updates coming to school's campus

COLLINS — Western Reserve Schools' board of education recently approved the superintendent's recommendations to make updates to its campus. At the board's June 27 meeting, superintendent Will Snyder recommended that the district update its HVAC system and library. The district's HVAC project includes plans to update its system across the district buildings. "These improvements will enhance our ability to efficiently manage heating and cooling, leading to better comfort for students and staff and increased energy efficiency," Snyder said. "It's important to note that this project is specifically about the control systems and does not involve a full HVAC replacement or broader facility changes at this time." This project will be funded through the district's permanent improvement account, according to Snyder. This account is supported by the general fund to maintain and improve facilities. The district's second update will come with the help of Fox Architectural Design to renovate its technology center, the existing library. This partnership is made possible with the Career-Technical Education Equipment Grant, which was awarded in the fall of last year. "We are excited to move forward with plans to create a new Technology and Collaboration Center designed to expand learning opportunities in technology and career readiness," Snyder said. "This updated space will feature flexible seating, advanced technology infrastructure and collaborative learning areas to support our growing career-technical education program, especially in software development, STEM and digital literacy." The current phase of this project is planning. Fox Architectural Design will help finalize the design and layout. "Creating the new Technology and Collaboration Center aligns with our commitment to prepare students for success beyond school, whether through foundational skills or career-focused pathways in technology," Snyder said. The HVAC controls planning and design process began immediately and installation is expected for this year. The technology center's planning is also underway, with anticipated construction this upcoming school year. Snyder said the district expects a new center will be ready for students at the end of June next year. All staff and students will benefit from the new HVAC system and the comfort it will provide, according to Snyder. He said the new center will serve all grade levels and provide hands-on opportunities in technology, coding, research and digital literacy.