Rebuilds and Modernizations

Rebuild a new Cleveland and Ida B. Wells High Schools, and complete the rebuilding of a new Jefferson High School.

Updates and Repairs to Aging Elementary and Middle Schools

• Prioritize seismic improvements at 8 to 10 schools that pose the greatest risk in a significant seismic event.
• Establish a reserve fund for replacement of major systems (such as HVAC), and emergency and unplanned projects.
• Utilize the remaining funds — including any additional high school project cost savings — to update or replace leaking or deteriorating school roofs, mechanical systems (heating and cooling), electrical systems, plumbing systems, fire alarm and sprinkler updates, safety and security systems, elevator replacements, site upgrades, exterior enclosure upgrades, and other building repairs. See Building Improvements

Education Materials and Technology 

• Provide comprehensive, culturally relevant, and up-to-date textbooks and curriculum materials. 
• Replace or provide student tablets and laptops to provide equitable access to classroom learning, and update classroom and District technology.

Physical Education, and Extracurricular Activities

• Upgrade athletic facilities, including Roosevelt, Lincoln (at West Sylvan), Franklin and Grant, and create athletic hub facilities at Jackson Middle School and on the Marshall campus.
• Update physical education spaces and high school performing arts and theater facilities.
   

The 1.2 billion-dollar 2020 School Bond allowed PPS to continue the vital work of improving our aging school buildings in several key areas as well as upgrading important educational infrastructure issues.

• 2020 Health and Safety Projects - new roofs and mechanical systems, seismic retrofits, plus accessibility and security upgrades.
• 2020 Modernizations - transforming the historic Jefferson and Benson Polytechnic High Schools into modernized 21st century centers of learning.  Plus, the construction of a new Multiple Pathways the Graduation Building on the Benson campus.
• New curriculum materials and textbooks.
• Educational technology upgrades to support classroom and distance learning, plus updating classroom and district technology devices.
• Planning the future modernizations of Cleveland and Ida B. Wells (formerly Wilson) High Schools.
• Development work on The Center for Black Student Excellence.
• Upgrading PPS Special Education (SPED) Learning Environments.

The $790 million, May 2017 Health Safety and Modernization Bond modernized or rebuilt Benson Polytechnic, Lincoln and McDaniel high schools, Kellogg Middle School, and built a new Multiple Pathways to Graduation Building. 

Over $150 million was directed to Health & Safety improvement projects that have affected every school in the District:

• Water quality improvements
• Security upgrades
• New roofs
• Asbestos and radon remediation
• Lead paint stabilization
• New fire alarms and sprinklers
• Accessibility improvements
• Seismic retrofits
   

The $482 million 2012 School Building Improvement Bond prioritized modernizing three high schools, Franklin, Grant, Roosevelt and rebuilding Faubion PK-8. 

It also provided:

• Middle school science classroom upgrades
• Seismic strengthening projects on 12 school interiors
• Increased accessibility at 26 schools 
• New seismically strengthened roofs at 21 schools