Dragon Monthly Update

MPS seeks to provide and maintain adequate facilities to serve our community. In efforts to maximize outside funding sources such as state facilities partnership projects and grants, we conduct frequent review of facility needs and seek community input.

Please review some of the recent projects accomplished in the past six year, and complete the input survey. A public hearing will be held on December 18 at 5:15 in the Admin Board Room to review responses and take further public comment.

If you would like to take a tour of the campuses, please call 479-369-2121 to schedule an appointment.

Most of these projects were accomplished through the use of grant funds, partnerships, rebates, and donations.

The community passed a millage extension and increase in 2021 to fund a new construction project. The District hired MAHG Architects, and Van Horn Construction for construction management. The construction committee invested much work in the pre-design process to establish project scope, consider all possible options for design and future needs, location, current facilities needs for sewer, drainage, and utility upgrades, space limitations and site work. Work was complicated by inflation, labor and supply chain issues, and safe room requirements under International Building Code 2023 added a nine month delay to the project. With the support of legislators including Senator Jim Petty and Representative Chad Puryear, legislation was passed in the Spring '23 session that allowed our project to continue as designed without requiring additional safe room space on the HS campus, reducing millions in additional costs. Project design was approved, and the project is underway. The subflooring in Old Main required reinforcement and floors in the classrooms were repaired, extending the life of this beautiful building. The new gym/activity center is being constructed behind Old Main. The project will include a gym, performance stage, band and choir room. The project will address several looming issues with current facilities including moisture, drainage, and sewer issues. Construction is expected to take 18 months. Facilities will be ready for use in the 25-26 school year.

Through federal and state grants funds, several safety and security grants are underway, including installation of secured vestibules and visitor management systems at each school's entrance, electronic door access for exterior doors, interior door locks, master key systems replacements, fencing, and other safety and security measures. Grant funds were obtained to hire an additional Law Enforcement Officer and purchase a vehicle.

MPS seeks to maximize use of state funds towards partnership projects and grant opportunities. Identified project needs for future planning include cafeteria renovation, science lab renovations, HVAC replacement for the Science Building, Art Building, and Middle School, additional classrooms for possible Pre-K expansion, and a drive on the Elementary campus for Pre-K drop-off/pick-up. Your input is needed on these projects, as well as to identify other needs. Link to the community survey is below.