The final touches have been put on an approximately 18-month campus improvement effort that included upgrading the air conditioning and heating systems throughout campus.
“The idea was to give to schools that aren’t necessarily ready for a full redo but need some upgrades regarding structure and safety,” Assistant Principal of Administration Ron Priest said.
Liberty opened in 1999 and was due for some improvements. The most recent improvement was installing 32 pieces of heavy steel-and-wood furniture for the Outdoor Learning Center, which was built in the quad last summer. The outdoor learning center, which has a sophisticated multi-piece shade cloth covering, is wired for wi-fi, but which has not been connected yet. Teachers and their classes will be able to use the center for classes during pleasant weather. Whiteboards are available in the PAC for teachers and students to use.
Students have quickly made themselves comfortable on the new furniture before school and at lunch, talking and snacking and looking at their phones.
Sophomore Jacey Sanders was sitting with a group of her friends at lunch last week around one of the large circular tables that resemble low coffee tables. “I like the spacious room we have,” she said. “I feel like I’m at a campfire.”
The cost of upgrades throughout the campus cost approximately $300,000.
New air conditioning/heating units were installed in all of the classrooms and buildings including the gym, Administration building, the Library Commons and the Performing Arts Center last school year. Classroom doors, walkway coverings, trim, and fencing around campus was repainted. Additionally, red, white and blue exterior window covering “wraps” were added to the gym, cafeteria, PAC, and Administration Building identifying the school as “Home of the Patriots.”
Campus concrete walkways were made smoother and easier for students to negotiate; some areas had concrete removed and relaid to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act. Upgrades for handicapped access and smoothing sections of concrete make it easier for people using wheelchairs and knee scooters to move around on campus.
“I’m very excited about the Outdoor Learning Center as well as the other upgrades that make our campus more proficient and safe,” Mr. Priest said.