September 19, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

KCK Public Schools Plans Open House to Celebrate Completion of $120 Million Bond Project

The public is invited to an open house and celebration at the Central Office of the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education and the Main Branch of the KCK Public Library. The event is set for Thursday, September 27 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., with a special ribbon cutting at 6 p.m. for the Library's new Youth Services and Audio-Visual departments.

The celebration is a "marker of the substantial completion" of the Bond Project, according to Dr. Cindy Lane, assistant superintendent for business and instructional support services.

"It is a thank you to the community for their generosity, and an effort to show the community that we have worked hard to spend their tax money wisely," Lane said.

The $120 million Bond Project was passed by the taxpayers of Wyandotte County in April of 2001, and immediately put into action by the district, its design consultants and more than 3,000 contractors. It provided for efficient heating and air conditioning systems for all school and library buildings throughout the district, along with the main library/central office. Electrical systems and technology were upgraded, and new windows were installed.

The majority of the work was completed within 3-1/2 years. This major accomplishment allowed all KCK Public School (KCKPS) students to have a safe and comfortable learning environment.

Ira Lourie, director of physical properties, noted in a statement that, "All improvements have been made with the overall thought in mind that the Bond Program will/has greatly contributed to the successful teaching and learning environment for the administration, staff and students of USD 500."

"The bond project allowed us to re-open two neighborhood schools, which helped to revitalize those neighborhoods. But the most important part of the bond project," remarked Lane, "is that we have increased the amount and the quality of instructional time. We had no heat days this year. We have higher levels of technology. Our buildings are safer for all children."

The Library's new Youth Services and Audio-Visual Departments have been expanded. The designers included trees and a stream in Youth Services to create a park setting, which includes a 95-gallon fish aquarium and new children's play area. It has a 12-station computer lab, and a new Young Adult area with study rooms and diner-style booths. The Audio Visual Department is now four times its previous size. There are six DVD viewing stations and expanded space for the library's very diverse and popular DVD and CD collections that range from chamber music to hard rock, classic to contemporary.

The ribbon cutting will be followed by an evening featuring Dino O'Dell, ongoing story times, crafts and refreshments.