District personnel are seeking input, thoughts and opinions of students, staff, parents and patrons regarding the current state of Aurora R-VIII facilities. Based on the 2018-19 student population, classroom space in each building is sufficient to provide quality academic instruction. Maintenance, renovation and safety issues are current priorities to continue providing environments which are conducive to learning.
Previously, the following needs have been discussed regarding the support of district programs. This list is only to prioritize for future planning. It is not to determine what will be immediately constructed. This list is in no specific order.
Gymnasium/Multipurpose Facility at the Robinson Campus - $2.0-2.5 million
(Possibility of providing additional space to increase student physical activity, allow additional instructional opportunities, provide room for building-level music/drama performances, community events, elementary-age sporting leagues/practices and could be built to tornado-safe specifications.)
Performing Arts Center/Auditorium at the High School - $4.0-4.5 million
(Possibility of providing space for student instruction, school band/choir performances, school plays/drama performances, school contests relating to band/choir/speech-debate, community meetings, community events/pageants/concerts, partnering with the Aurora Chamber of Commerce for community enhancement, community award ceremonies and other uses deemed appropriate. The facility could also be built to tornado-safe specifications.)
Athletic Facility at the High School - $4.5-5.5 million
(Possibility of providing space to be used for physical education instruction, band competitions, band practices, football games, soccer matches, district/sectional-level track meets, elementary-age children sports leagues, and community events.)
Safety Upgrades, Utility Efficiency, Renovations and Instructional Enhancements at the Existing Buildings-$2.0-$3.0 million
(Possibility of installing LED lighting, upgrading current buildings to increase safety procedures-changing locations of offices to better control access-adding cameras to increase building awareness-adding extra classroom safety features-installing bulletproof glass or comparable safety features, installing more efficient windows in older facilities, connecting buildings to decrease outside student movement, tuck-pointing/sealing building exteriors, roof repair as needed and upgrades to older HVAC units at various buildings.)