By Nancy Whitney

Staff Writer

[email protected]

Davis Intermediate will see some major renovations over the next two years. The improvements are due to the passing of the $94.2 million bond on Nov. 4, 2014, where $6.380 million of that will go to Davis.

“Many renovations have taken place this summer and will continue throughout this school year,” Davis Principal Barbara Rudolph said. “The passing of the bond lets the school district know that the community is behind them; that the community values education and that the community is proud to support educational opportunities that are being made available to the children in Wylie.”

Beginning in May, with an expected completion in September, Gallagher Construction began work on the 10-year-old school.

Projects are addressing renovations and additions, security and technology upgrades. New carpets and floor tiles will span the school, new bleachers will be installed in the gym, hand dryers will be installed in all bathrooms, the concrete outside the café and band hall will be replaced and the gym floors will be refinished and painted.

Safety concerns will be met by installing a badge system, access control and cameras. First responders will be able to access the cameras outside of the school. Entry lighting will be installed to provide better visibility.

Davis students will see updated technology throughout the facility when they return in September. There will be a new paging/bell system; digital menu boards; a new sound system for the cafeteria, band hall, choir room and gym; updated digital signage, the addition of wireless access points and upgrades to the network and network switching closets.

Clocks, which were not replaced in 2013, will be replaced at some point by 2017.

Executive Director of Communications and Community Relations, Ian Halperin, said the district is preparing for the overall growth across all grade levels by making some major additions and renovations to Davis Intermediate, including additional two story classrooms. The main entrance and classrooms will also be renovated for science and library use, including additional cafeteria space.

Rudolph said the faculty is excited that the school’s community will continue to grow.

“With growth comes additional opportunities and creative ways to educate, meet the needs of our students and strengthen the Wylie community,” Rudolph said. “The staff is committed to working as a collaborative team to do whatever it takes to help children succeed. Each year, we look forward to bringing our students together to build a strong community unified for excellence and committed to success.”

The exterior and interior of the school will get a fresh coat of paint beginning in May 2016 and new LED lighting will brighten up the parking lot.

Construction projects throughout the district are under the management of Gallagher Construction Services and PBK Architects.

For additional information on Davis Intermediate construction visit http://www.wylieisd.net/domain/2498.