District Construction Update (HMS Roof, HVS, 2023 Bond) with Dr. Lusk - January 2026

Описание: Episode Overview

In this episode of the H2Know Podcast, Zach Harig sits down with Superintendent Dr. Brad Lusk for an in-depth conversation about major construction initiatives happening across Hamilton Community Schools. The discussion focuses on the why behind key decisions, including the full replacement of the Hamilton Middle School roof, the temporary relocation of 8th grade students to the high school for the 2026–27 school year, and progress updates on the Hamilton Virtual School facility.

This episode emphasizes transparency, long-term planning, and how the district is balancing safety, instructional continuity, and responsible use of bond funding.

Key Topics Covered

• Why the Middle School Roof Must Be Replaced Dr. Lusk explains the severity of the roof issues at Hamilton Middle School, including ongoing leaks, snow-load safety concerns, and professional evaluations that confirmed a full replacement is required — not a patch or surface repair.

• Construction Timeline & Project Scope Listeners learn why the project spans two summers and one full school year, why a five-summer plan was not feasible, and how compressing the timeline actually protects taxpayers while ensuring contractors can complete the work efficiently.

• Why 8th Grade Is Temporarily Moving to the High School (2026–27) The conversation walks through the extensive options that were considered — including portables, alternate buildings, and grade reconfigurations — and why relocating 8th grade to the high school for one year emerged as the safest and least disruptive solution.

• What the 8th Grade Experience Will Look Like Dr. Lusk outlines how 8th graders will remain grouped together, continue being taught by their 8th grade teachers, stay connected to middle school athletics and clubs, and receive added structure and supervision within the high school setting.

• Impact on Grades 5–7 The episode explains how grades 5–7 will remain at the middle school, what classroom shifts may occur as construction phases change, and what “construction detours” may look like during the year.

• Bond Funding & Long-Term Value Zach and Dr. Lusk discuss how this project fits into the 2023 bond, why addressing the roof now prevents far greater costs later, and how recent bond projects have focused on long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes.

• Hamilton Virtual School Updates Dr. Lusk provides an update on the Hamilton Virtual School facility, including fire suppression, well and water planning, elevator work, interior renovations, and how the space is being purposefully designed to support virtual and early childhood programming.