Dear Banks Community,
We are grateful and excited to be putting 2024 bond funds to use to improve Banks School District facilities, making way for a substantial high school addition, a new auxiliary gym, campus-wide traffic flow improvements, and more. As always, thank you to our Banks voters for approving the construction bond. We are committed to ensuring that we keep you up to date on the construction process as it unfolds.
The design phase is now complete, and we are preparing for construction to begin! Part of the process involves taking down old structures, including the high school south wing, the former admin center (the old building), and the barn. So, beginning this week, you may see large equipment on site at the Banks School District to begin the work, with demolition taking place in late December through February.
We know that changes like this, especially replacing old structures, can bring about a range of reactions. We want the Banks community to know that as part of this work, we are taking great care to preserve our school, community, and building history. Throughout this effort, we are working closely with and following the guidance of the State Historic Preservation Office. We have a dedicated team that is planning the details of salvaging items and materials from the buildings, including the board room mural, to incorporate into our updated spaces. Along with preserving items, we are also planning to showcase artifacts of historical significance via digital formats, such as a web page, a coffee table book, and a documentary produced by BHS students. We are excited to be able to share those with you in the coming year.
Additionally, we are able to offer specific items and materials, such as benches and bricks, from the old building to community members by request. If interested, please complete this Surplus Items Request Form by Thursday, Dec. 18 at 3pm.
Thank you for your continued support to enrich our facilities, ensuring that our students have safe, healthy, accessible, and innovative learning environments that enhance their school experience and are a source of pride for the community. We will continue to keep you up to date, and if you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to reach out to the school district office.
Sincerely,
Brian Sica
Superintendent