Buckeye gives update on capital improvements that took place over the summer

YORK TWP. — Buckeye Schools has worked on capital improvement projects over the summer to prepare for the upcoming school year, which starts for first through 12th grade on Aug. 21. Director of Operations John Justice gave an update on the status of this summer's capital projects during the board of education meeting Tuesday. Buckeye's biggest capital project for fiscal year 2025 was the first phase of a paving project around campus at a cost of approximately $1.1 million. "We do have substantial completion on the paving work that was done this summer for both the elementary parking lot roadways as well as the installation of the fieldhouse parking lot," Justice said. "We have some minor curbing and some parking markings and traffic markings that need to be installed in the upcoming week, likely early next week, but nothing is going to impede the use of those roads or parking lots." Paving work began on July 10, and it was estimated to take four to five weeks to complete, he said. A substantial amount of work was done within three weeks. "I want to take a moment just to thank the community for their patience during this project," Justice said. "There's never a good time to complete a project like this, and interfere with ongoing summer activities you see throughout the school district." Phase two of the work on the elementary school roof replacement is finished as well, he said. Other completed projects include the installation of new primary and preschool playgrounds and concrete work that was scheduled around campus. Probably before school starts, the fencing work at the elementary school will be done, Justice said. Additional projects in the works include wood chip replenishment on the playgrounds, work on the geothermal pumps at the elementary school and final painting in the buildings. "I did want to take a moment to acknowledge our district maintenance and custodial teams, who have been hard at work this entire summer to prepare our buildings and our district for the start of school," he said. "I'm very proud of the work that they've done this summer." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.