SB receives over $370,000 in latest grant funding effort

SB Early Learning Center and Elementary playshed

Grant funding received for SB capital improvements

South Bend School District received word this week of being selected to receive over $370,000 in competitive grant funding to improve several campus facilities.  

Early Learning Center

The first project consists of replacing the heating system in our early learning facility.  The grant will upgrade the current system which was installed in 2000, replacing the old system with a heat pump solution.  District officials are currently working to develop options with HVAC contractors, and expect to begin the work in early 2019.

High School Chemistry Lab

The second project funded includes installing a fume evacuation hood in our high school science lab.  Currently, the science room does not have a fume hood, limiting the science experiments and labs in which students can participate.  The project will add a workstation to the classroom that will safely filter and dispose hazardous fumes resulting from chemical reactions.

Elementary Playshed

The third project funded through the grant includes significant upgrades to the elementary playshed.  The current playshed, built in 2010, was designed to eventually become an enclosed gym space for the elementary school.  The $200,000 grant will enclose the building, insulate the walls, install heating and air circulation, update lighting, and install a gym floor.  The district is currently working to design the project in a manner that sustains our ability to continue use as a play area, but also provides enclosed/heated physical education space.  Completion of the upgrade will provide South Bend Schools with a third gymnasium, completing the initial 2010 design.

The above projects are not included in the new elementary school construction, which is currently in design with Erickson McGovern Architects.  The new school is scheduled to break ground Spring, 2019.

These grants bring South Bend's grant award totals to over $500,000 since June, 2018.  Previous awards funded vocational equipment and program upgrades, and underground powerline replacements feeding district buildings.

Questions related to South Bend School District may be directed to Superintendent Jon Tienhaara at jtienhaa@southbendschools.org