Progress Continues on Facility Improvements

In 2023, the Grants Pass School District 7 Board of Directors approved a plan to restructure a portion of the district’s debt—similar to refinancing a mortgage—which freed up approximately $13 million to complete facility upgrades across our schools. Work began in the summer of 2023 and has continued across the district since that time. 

These funds are restricted to long-term capital improvements, meaning projects must have a lifespan of at least 20 years and cannot be used for staffing or day-to-day operational costs. 

While this investment has allowed us to make meaningful improvements, many of our older school buildings still require substantial repairs and updates. Half of our school buildings are between 58 and 70 years old, with our oldest school built in 1956. This funding has helped address some of our most pressing needs, but it is not enough to support large-scale renovations, expansions, or full building replacements. We are now nearing the end of both the available funding and the limited time we have to complete these projects. 

Projects Completed

Since launching this initiative, the district has completed a wide range of projects focused on safety, functionality, and maintaining existing facilities, including: 

• Development of a new campus across from the District Office (GP Annex)
• New automotive program at Grants Pass High School
• Safety fencing at Allen Dale, Highland, Riverside, North, Gladiola, and GP Annex
• Exterior door upgrades at the GPHS Performing Arts Center and gym
• Fire alarm connections to portable classrooms at Gladiola
• Sensory playground at North Middle School
• New Pre-K playground for the district’s preschool program at Highland Elementary
• Replacement of pea gravel with wood chips at elementary playgrounds
• Doors and walls added to Redwood and Lincoln libraries
• Interior renovations, including classroom and office space updates
• Roof replacement for the Grants Pass High School Core Building
• Flooring replacement in the Grants Pass High School Core Building
• Flooring replacement and interior painting at Allen Dale
• Exterior paint at Redwood, South, Highland, Riverside, and Parkside
• Connection of South Middle School to city water
• Power upgrades for the GPHS welding program
• New or remodeled single-occupancy bathrooms at North, South, and GPHS
• Replacement stage risers at Lincoln and Riverside Elementary
• Replacement cafeteria tables at GPHS
• Bleacher replacements at North and South Middle Schools
• Gym floor covers at North, South, and GPHS
• Track lighting upgrades at GPHS (in partnership with the GPHS Booster Club)
• New bathroom at the GPHS softball field
• New roof and paint on the GPHS track concession stand/bathroom
• Purchase of property near Allen Dale for storage and future district use

Projects Planned for Summer 2026

As we near the end of this effort, several projects are planned for completion this summer:

• New all-weather tracks at North and South Middle Schools
• Improved drainage for the North Middle School football field
• Track resurfacing at Grants Pass High School
• Connection of Allen Dale and Redwood Elementary to city water
• Elevator modernization at GPHS

We know that when our facilities are safe, functional, and well-maintained, students are better able to focus on learning and reaching their full potential. While we are proud of what has been accomplished through this effort, our aging schools have far greater needs than this funding alone can address.

We will continue to evaluate long-term solutions and explore ways to address these needs as part of our strategic planning efforts, ensuring our schools can serve students and families for years to come.