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.
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 of the end of this month, the Amity School District Bond Program continues to progress significantly. We have reached several critical milestones, marking substantial advancements in our construction efforts.
Middle School Construction:
• The framing for both the first and second floors of the new middle school has been completed. The installation of the roof structure is currently underway, this will provide essential protection for the interior spaces and allow further internal work to proceed without weather-related interruptions.
• All ground excavation work, including the installation of the stormwater retention system, has been completed,
• The main building’s wood-framed structure is now in place, providing a clear outline of the school’s layout.
Gymnasium Progress:
• The new gym’s walls are entirely framed, and the roof structure is now complete. The next steps involve adding insulation to the gym and continuing with roof installation.
Current Activities
This month, several critical activities are in progress across different areas of the Amity School District Bond Program. Here are the key highlights:
Middle School Construction:
Roof Structure: The installation of the roof structure is actively underway.
Rough-Ins: We have begun the rough-in phase for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. This phase is expected to take around 10 Weeks to complete.
Main Building Structure: The main building’s wood-framed structure is now in place.
Insulation and Roofing: With the gym’s walls framed and the roof structure completed, the next steps include adding insulation and continuing with roof installation.
1965 Wing: A major focus has been on asbestos abatement. Concurrently, renovations of the science classrooms are underway, aimed at creating modern, well-equipped spaces that support contemporary science education. The library is being transformed into a more user-friendly and collaborative middle school/high school library with open spaces and movable furniture to enhance flexibility and accommodate various learning activities. Additionally, the life skills room is being reconfigured to improve its functionality and accessibility, ensuring that students with diverse needs have the resources they need to succeed.
2002 Wing: As part of our security upgrades, we are reconfiguring the high school office and adding a vestibule, enhancing the safety and security of the school.
Activities Scheduled for Next Period
For the upcoming month, the focus will be on several critical activities to ensure the timely progression of the Amity School District Bond Program. Here are the key activities and highlights:
1965 Wing Renovation:
Completion of Renovations: The primary goal for the coming month is to complete the renovation of the 1965 wing in time for the start of the new school year. This includes finishing the asbestos abatement, and the renovations of the science classrooms, library, and life skills room.
Final Inspections and Clean-Up: We will conduct final inspections and clean-up to ensure the renovated areas meet safety and quality standards, ready to welcome students and staff.
Middle School Construction:
Roof Installation: We will continue with the installation of the roof structure on the middle school.
Weather Barrier Installation: Following the roof installation, we will begin installing the weather barrier.
Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing: The rough-in phase for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems will continue over the next 10 Weeks.
Highlights, Challenges, Solutions
Tight Timeline for 1965 Wing Renovation: The primary challenge this summer is completing the renovation of the 1965 wing within the 90-day period available. Completing such an extensive project within this timeframe is particularly challenging due to the amount of work required, including asbestos abatement and significant renovations to the science classrooms, library, and life skills room.
Manpower and Coordination: Coordinating the extensive manpower needed to complete the 1965 wing renovation on time has been a significant challenge. Ensuring that all teams work efficiently and that there are no delays or overlaps in the schedule requires meticulous planning and execution.
Increased Manpower: Recognizing the need for a substantial workforce, we have allocated additional manpower to the renovation of the 1965 wing. This includes hiring more workers and ensuring that all teams are adequately staffed. Triple Wellman, our General Contractor, has done an excellent job managing the workforce and ensuring that all tasks are performed efficiently and effectively.
Close Collaboration with Contractors: We maintain close communication and collaboration with our contractors to ensure that everyone is aligned with the project goals and timelines. Regular meetings and updates help address any issues promptly and keep the project 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 of the end of this month, the Amity School District Bond Program continues to progress significantly. We have reached several critical milestones, marking substantial advancements in our construction efforts.
Middle School Construction:
• The framing for both the first and second floors of the new middle school has been completed. The installation of the roof structure is currently underway, this will provide essential protection for the interior spaces and allow further internal work to proceed without weather-related interruptions.
• All ground excavation work, including the installation of the stormwater retention system, has been completed,
• The main building’s wood-framed structure is now in place, providing a clear outline of the school’s layout.
Gymnasium Progress:
• The new gym’s walls are entirely framed, and the roof structure is now complete. The next steps involve adding insulation to the gym and continuing with roof installation.
Current Activities
This month, several critical activities are in progress across different areas of the Amity School District Bond Program. Here are the key highlights:
Middle School Construction:
Roof Structure: The installation of the roof structure is actively underway.
Rough-Ins: We have begun the rough-in phase for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. This phase is expected to take around 10 Weeks to complete.
Main Building Structure: The main building’s wood-framed structure is now in place.
Insulation and Roofing: With the gym’s walls framed and the roof structure completed, the next steps include adding insulation and continuing with roof installation.
1965 Wing: A major focus has been on asbestos abatement. Concurrently, renovations of the science classrooms are underway, aimed at creating modern, well-equipped spaces that support contemporary science education. The library is being transformed into a more user-friendly and collaborative middle school/high school library with open spaces and movable furniture to enhance flexibility and accommodate various learning activities. Additionally, the life skills room is being reconfigured to improve its functionality and accessibility, ensuring that students with diverse needs have the resources they need to succeed.
2002 Wing: As part of our security upgrades, we are reconfiguring the high school office and adding a vestibule, enhancing the safety and security of the school.
Activities Scheduled for Next Period
For the upcoming month, the focus will be on several critical activities to ensure the timely progression of the Amity School District Bond Program. Here are the key activities and highlights:
1965 Wing Renovation:
Completion of Renovations: The primary goal for the coming month is to complete the renovation of the 1965 wing in time for the start of the new school year. This includes finishing the asbestos abatement, and the renovations of the science classrooms, library, and life skills room.
Final Inspections and Clean-Up: We will conduct final inspections and clean-up to ensure the renovated areas meet safety and quality standards, ready to welcome students and staff.
Middle School Construction:
Roof Installation: We will continue with the installation of the roof structure on the middle school.
Weather Barrier Installation: Following the roof installation, we will begin installing the weather barrier.
Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing: The rough-in phase for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems will continue over the next 10 Weeks.
Highlights, Challenges, Solutions
Tight Timeline for 1965 Wing Renovation: The primary challenge this summer is completing the renovation of the 1965 wing within the 90-day period available. Completing such an extensive project within this timeframe is particularly challenging due to the amount of work required, including asbestos abatement and significant renovations to the science classrooms, library, and life skills room.
Manpower and Coordination: Coordinating the extensive manpower needed to complete the 1965 wing renovation on time has been a significant challenge. Ensuring that all teams work efficiently and that there are no delays or overlaps in the schedule requires meticulous planning and execution.
Increased Manpower: Recognizing the need for a substantial workforce, we have allocated additional manpower to the renovation of the 1965 wing. This includes hiring more workers and ensuring that all teams are adequately staffed. Triple Wellman, our General Contractor, has done an excellent job managing the workforce and ensuring that all tasks are performed efficiently and effectively.
Close Collaboration with Contractors: We maintain close communication and collaboration with our contractors to ensure that everyone is aligned with the project goals and timelines. Regular meetings and updates help address any issues promptly and keep the project on track.
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
Newsletters
Stay up to date on the latest program updates!
March Newsletter – 2023
April Newsletter – 2023
May Newsletter – 2023
June Newsletter – 2023
July Quarterly Summary Newsletter – 2023
August Newsletter – 2023
September Newsletter – 2023
November Newsletter – 2023
January Quarterly Summary Newsletter – 2024
February Newsletter – 2024
March Newsletter – 2024
April Newsletter – 2024
May Newsletter – 2024
August Newsletter – 2024