Amity School District
Dedicated To Excellence In Education
Bond program
The Amity School District Capital Bond project is aimed at renovating and upgrading the facilities of Amity High School and Amity Middle School, as well as implementing new security measures at Amity Elementary School. The project will help in creating a shared-use facility for both the high school and the middle school, and will also provide much-needed additional space and modern amenities for students and staff.
Amity High School Renovation: This phase of the project will involve a renovation of the existing high school. The renovation will include the addition of new spaces such as a library, a competition gymnasium, locker rooms, a team room, art classrooms, science classrooms. This will significantly enhance the learning environment and provide students with the latest in technological and instructional resources.
Amity Middle School Replacement: In this phase, the middle school will be joined with the high school campus to create a shared use facility. This will enable the district to better serve students in grades 6-12 and will also provide additional capacity for students. The project will include the addition of eight new classrooms, science lab and the existing high school gymnasium.
The Elementary School will receive new security updates, including door access controls and a secured vestibule at the front entry. This will ensure a safe and secure environment for students, teachers, and staff. Additionally, a two-classroom modular will be installed at the Elementary School to allow for additional capacity.
The Amity School District Capital Bond project is a crucial investment in the future of Amity’s students and the community. It will provide state-of-the-art facilities, modern amenities, and a safe and secure learning environment for generations to come.
Live Stream updates
Click the link below to see live stream updates and photos of the construction progress!
Amity MS/HS - Renderings
Click on the images below to view panoramas of renderings.
Renderings by
Video Updates
Amity High School -
Capital Bond Program 2022
Amity Middle School + Elementary School -
Capital Bond Program 2022
Groundbreaking
September 29th, 2023, marked a new beginning for Amity School District 4J with the groundbreaking of the upcoming middle and high school project. This event, celebrated with community members and project teams, symbolized the start of an exciting journey towards enhancing our educational landscape. The scope of work for the Amity bond project includes renovating Amity High School, adding new spaces like a library and a competition gymnasium, and amalgamating Amity Middle School with the high school campus to form a shared-use facility. This merge will also introduce eight new classrooms, a science lab, and additional capacity for students Thank you to all who participated. The future looks bright!
Bond Update
As we advance in refining the design process for our bond project, our architects have been providing budget estimates for each iteration of the plan. Recently, we found ourselves around five million dollars above our construction budget. While this may sound concerning, both our architects (IBI) and project management firm (HMK) assured us that this is quite common and even on the lower end of what they typically see at this stage.
To meet our highest priority bond objectives, we must continue to modify, refine, and make reductions where necessary. With every project, the wish list tends to be longer than the available funding. One quick decision for change was to remove the relocation of the 5th grade to the MS/HS campus. This proposal was initially made to accommodate growth at the elementary school, which currently utilizes all available classrooms.
Amity is a town projected to experience growth in the coming decade, with the anticipated housing likely to bring in a significant number of school-aged children. While this is a positive challenge for our school, it can be addressed in various ways. By keeping 5th graders at the elementary school, we can save approximately $600,000 on the construction project, bringing us closer to our maximum affordable construction cost.
It’s also important to mention that the 5th-grade relocation was likely the least popular aspect of the bond proposal. The board decided to make this change during their last meeting, after considering input from IBI, HMK, and school administrators.
Our ultimate goal throughout this bond process is to create an exceptional learning environment for our students for many years to come. We aim to be responsible stewards of the funds and facilities entrusted to us as a district. This change does not compromise that objective and helps us maintain our financial principles. We’re grateful for the incredible community support we’ve received so far in this process.
![Enscape_2023-03-17-10-21-10[76]](https://hmkco.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Enscape_2023-03-17-10-21-1076.png)
![Enscape_2023-03-17-11-22-49[18]](https://hmkco.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Enscape_2023-03-17-11-22-4918.png)
![Enscape_2023-03-17-10-30-31[87]](https://hmkco.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Enscape_2023-03-17-10-30-3187.png)
Projects
Info and updates
Amity Elementary School
- New Security Updates Including (but not limited to):
- Door Access Controls
- Secured Vestibule at the Front Entry
- Install a two-classroom modular to allow for additional capacity
Current Activities
We’ve completed the core of the renovation of the Elementary School, and now we’re finalizing key items like security cameras and intercom systems.
We’re also reviewing final change requests and handling billing to close out the project.
Amity Middle School Replacement
- Grades 6-8 join the High School campus to create a shared use facility
- Add student capacity through:
- Eight new classrooms
- Renovated science
- Renovated gymnasium
- Renovated existing classroom spaces
Coming soon!
General Program Update
As the Amity School District Bond Project advances into the winter months, efforts remain focused on critical weatherproofing tasks for the middle school and high school gymnasium projects. Achieving 100% “dried-in” status is essential to protect ongoing interior work and ensure progress on these facilities. This milestone will enable the next phase of construction, including interior build-outs and system installations, to proceed without weather-related interruptions.
Successfully enclosing these buildings will allow for continued mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-ins, as well as the installation of insulation, drywall, and flooring in the months ahead. These steps are critical to delivering safe, modern, and functional educational spaces for the Amity community.
Current Activities
We are progressing steadily despite seasonal challenges. The focus remains on achieving the critical “dried-in” status for the middle school addition and high school gymnasium by late December and early January, respectively. This milestone is pivotal for moving forward with interior installations, including mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems.
Middle School
Crews are finalizing window installations, roofing, and weather-resistant barriers (WRBs) on the middle school to achieve enclosure by January 2, 2025. The completion of these tasks will allow for accelerated interior work, such as drywall, insulation, and system rough-ins.
High School Gymnasium
Progress on the high school gymnasium has included substantial work on exterior WRBs and roof assemblies. Remaining tasks, such as sealing windows and completing WRBs, are on schedule for December 30, 2024. Once enclosed, crews will transition to interior finishes and systems integration.
• Classroom Addition: Insulation and rough-ins for plumbing, HVAC, and fire protection are complete. Window installation and brick veneer work are ongoing.
• Auxiliary Gym: Demolition of old floors has been completed, with new wood flooring and court striping planned for completion by the end of December.
• Sitework: Landscaping and final grading for sidewalks around the middle school and high school are scheduled for early 2025, ensuring accessibility and compliance with design standards.
Activities Scheduled for Next Period
As we transition into 2025, construction efforts will shift focus to key milestones that mark the beginning of significant interior and finishing work. With the middle school and high school gymnasium nearing “dried-in” status, the following activities are scheduled to maintain progress:
Middle School
• Interior Drywall Installation: Once the building is fully enclosed by early January, crews will begin the first phase of drywall installation on the first and second floors. This step is critical for preparing spaces for subsequent finishes.
• System Rough-Ins: HVAC, plumbing, and electrical installations will continue on the second floor, ensuring that essential infrastructure aligns with project specifications.
• Roofing and Waterproofing Completion: Final touches on roofing and waterproofing elements will be completed to fully seal the structure and ensure compliance with safety and weather standards.
High School Gymnasium
• Drywall and Interior Work: With enclosure achieved by late December, crews will transition to interior work, including insulation and drywall in both the gymnasium and auxiliary areas. This work is expected to progress steadily throughout January.
• HVAC and Mechanical Installations: Installation of HVAC ducting and mechanical systems will commence, aligning with the completion of gymnasium framing and sealing.
Highlights, Challenges, Solutions
We continues to address several challenges as construction progresses through the winter season. While significant milestones are being achieved, weather conditions, and scheduling challenges require proactive solutions.
CHALLENGES
Weather-Related Delays: Persistent rain and low temperatures have made exterior work, particularly roofing and WRB installations, more challenging. These conditions slow progress on achieving “dried-in” status for the middle school and high school gymnasium.
Compressed Schedule: The overall project timeline remains compressed, increasing the risk of delays if planned progress is not achieved each month. Although the project is currently seven days ahead of schedule, sustaining this buffer requires meticulous coordination.
SOLUTIONS
Weather Mitigation: Temporary weatherproofing measures, including tarps and heated enclosures, are being employed to protect ongoing work and accelerate progress during brief periods of favorable conditions. Adjusting work schedules to push productivity during dry weather has also been a priority.
Scheduling Oversite: A detailed activity breakdown and close monitoring of critical path milestones are helping the team stay on track.
Amity High School Renovation
- Add Middle School to the campus to create a shared use facility
- Renovate existing HS
- Add square footage with new spaces including:
- Library
- Competition Gymnasium
- Locker Rooms
- Team Room
- Art Classroom
- Science Classroom
- General Education Classrooms
Coming soon!
General Program Update
As the Amity School District Bond Project advances into the winter months, efforts remain focused on critical weatherproofing tasks for the middle school and high school gymnasium projects. Achieving 100% “dried-in” status is essential to protect ongoing interior work and ensure progress on these facilities. This milestone will enable the next phase of construction, including interior build-outs and system installations, to proceed without weather-related interruptions.
Successfully enclosing these buildings will allow for continued mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-ins, as well as the installation of insulation, drywall, and flooring in the months ahead. These steps are critical to delivering safe, modern, and functional educational spaces for the Amity community.
Current Activities
We are progressing steadily despite seasonal challenges. The focus remains on achieving the critical “dried-in” status for the middle school addition and high school gymnasium by late December and early January, respectively. This milestone is pivotal for moving forward with interior installations, including mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems.
Middle School
Crews are finalizing window installations, roofing, and weather-resistant barriers (WRBs) on the middle school to achieve enclosure by January 2, 2025. The completion of these tasks will allow for accelerated interior work, such as drywall, insulation, and system rough-ins.
High School Gymnasium
Progress on the high school gymnasium has included substantial work on exterior WRBs and roof assemblies. Remaining tasks, such as sealing windows and completing WRBs, are on schedule for December 30, 2024. Once enclosed, crews will transition to interior finishes and systems integration.
• Classroom Addition: Insulation and rough-ins for plumbing, HVAC, and fire protection are complete. Window installation and brick veneer work are ongoing.
• Auxiliary Gym: Demolition of old floors has been completed, with new wood flooring and court striping planned for completion by the end of December.
• Sitework: Landscaping and final grading for sidewalks around the middle school and high school are scheduled for early 2025, ensuring accessibility and compliance with design standards.
Activities Scheduled for Next Period
As we transition into 2025, construction efforts will shift focus to key milestones that mark the beginning of significant interior and finishing work. With the middle school and high school gymnasium nearing “dried-in” status, the following activities are scheduled to maintain progress:
Middle School
• Interior Drywall Installation: Once the building is fully enclosed by early January, crews will begin the first phase of drywall installation on the first and second floors. This step is critical for preparing spaces for subsequent finishes.
• System Rough-Ins: HVAC, plumbing, and electrical installations will continue on the second floor, ensuring that essential infrastructure aligns with project specifications.
• Roofing and Waterproofing Completion: Final touches on roofing and waterproofing elements will be completed to fully seal the structure and ensure compliance with safety and weather standards.
High School Gymnasium
• Drywall and Interior Work: With enclosure achieved by late December, crews will transition to interior work, including insulation and drywall in both the gymnasium and auxiliary areas. This work is expected to progress steadily throughout January.
• HVAC and Mechanical Installations: Installation of HVAC ducting and mechanical systems will commence, aligning with the completion of gymnasium framing and sealing.
Highlights, Challenges, Solutions
We continues to address several challenges as construction progresses through the winter season. While significant milestones are being achieved, weather conditions, and scheduling challenges require proactive solutions.
CHALLENGES
Weather-Related Delays: Persistent rain and low temperatures have made exterior work, particularly roofing and WRB installations, more challenging. These conditions slow progress on achieving “dried-in” status for the middle school and high school gymnasium.
Compressed Schedule: The overall project timeline remains compressed, increasing the risk of delays if planned progress is not achieved each month. Although the project is currently seven days ahead of schedule, sustaining this buffer requires meticulous coordination.
SOLUTIONS
Weather Mitigation: Temporary weatherproofing measures, including tarps and heated enclosures, are being employed to protect ongoing work and accelerate progress during brief periods of favorable conditions. Adjusting work schedules to push productivity during dry weather has also been a priority.
Scheduling Oversite: A detailed activity breakdown and close monitoring of critical path milestones are helping the team stay on track.
Amity High School
Amity Middle School
Amity Elementary School
community details
- Amanda Grove
- Current Chair
- Tim Haarsma
- Current Vice Chair
- Ryan Jones
- Jennifer Leppin
- Ray Bottenberg
Amity SD Board Meeting Notes – March 9, 2022
Amity SD Board Meeting Notes – May 10, 2022
Amity SD Board Meeting Notes – May 17, 2022
Amity SD Board Meeting Notes – August 21, 2022
Amity SD Board Meeting Notes – September 21, 2022
Amity SD Board Meeting Notes – October 12, 2022
Amity SD Board Meeting Notes – November 10, 2022
Amity SD Board Meeting Notes – December 14, 2022
Amity SD Board Meeting Notes – March 9, 2023
Amity SD Board Meeting Notes – May 10, 2023
Amity SD Board Meeting Notes – August 9, 2023
Amity SD Board Meeting Notes – September 20, 2023
- Mary Matocha
- Principal
- Jeff Clark
- Superintendent
- Jeanna Bottenberg
- Ryan McKinney
- Melinda Wallace
- Mike Ludwig
- Karl McShane
- Becky Prevett
- David McKay
- Program Director
- Paul Chamberlin
- Project Manager
- Rebecca Stuecker
- Principal, IBI Group
- Levi Patterson
- Associate Principal, IBI Group
- Andrew Werth
- Architect, IBI Group
- Chris Daniel
- Principal
- Jeff Clark
- Superintendent
- Tashi Haarsma (AD)
- Amanda Grove
- Jed McMullen
- Lauren Sawyer
- Craig Wilson
- David McKay
- Program Director
- Paul Chamberlin
- Project Manager
- Rebecca Stuecker
- Principal, IBI Group
- Levi Patterson
- Associate Principal, IBI Group
- Andrew Werth
- Architect, IBI Group
