By: Claire Cutting

As questions about the future of Sugarcreek Elementary continue, the Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Board of Education has shifted its focus to improving the schools currently in use. At the board meeting on April 24, district leaders announced a wide range of facility upgrades that will take priority over any decisions regarding the old, three-story Sugarcreek Elementary building.

From safety additions to building repairs, the district is investing in essential updates across all buildings using its current funds to address current and future needs.

“The money goes really fast,” Superintendent Dr. Doug Cozad said. “As our buildings get older, things start going out. We’re really trying to be smart.”

One of the district’s larger purchases includes a new maintenance truck and snow plow, which will help operations during the winter run more smoothly. The district will also complete the installation of barricades across schools to enhance building security.

In addition, limited-visibility and shatterproof windows will be installed in key locations to improve safety.

At Bellbrook High School, a number of projects are moving forward.

A walkway will be built connecting the South Lot to the Front Lot, as well as a second walkway that leads to the bike path, making daily traffic flow safer and more efficient for students and visitors.

“It’s been on our list of things to do for a while,” Business Manager Jeff Eckley said. “It’s going to really help improve the parking situation at the high school, and it means people don’t have to walk across the grass anymore.”

Other updates at the high school include:

• Installing a gate in the rotunda

• Replacing outdated metal doors with glass doors near the auditorium

• Replacing the HVAC chiller

• Replacing the front office transaction window

At Bellbrook Middle School, floors will be repaired and the main school sign will be replaced.

Bell Creek Intermediate will receive 30 new lockers, a sliding gate to secure the playground, and a resurfaced playground asphalt area.

At Stephen Bell Elementary, the playground will also be resurfaced and restriped, and the current wood mulch will be replaced with rubber mulch for safety purposes.

The Miami Valley South Stadium is also seeing improvements, with the pole barn receiving a fresh coat of paint and stadium restroom remodeling already underway.

While many of these projects have already begun, others are waiting on the final approval of state grants. Despite this, the district is already looking ahead to what comes next.

Future goals include:

• Replacing some of the school buses

• Upgrading the BCI HVAC chillers

• Replacing the roofs of every building in the district

For Eckley, who recently returned to the district after a brief time away, it’s good to be back.

“After being a part of the Bellbrook family for many years and stepping away for a year, I really appreciate the opportunity to come back,” Eckley said. “I’m loving what I’m doing, and it’s great to be around educators again, hearing all the amazing things they’re doing.”