The long range planning committee worked diligently to develop a plan to address the needs of Antlers Public Schools regarding the facilities. The plan that was developed is designed to provide guidance for the replacement and maintenance of the school facilities. This plan will be implemented in 3 separate phases over a period of years. The bond election on September 10, 2019 will accomplish the first phase of the long range plan. The recommendation of the committee was the replacement of the middle school and middle school cafeteria. This building was originally constructed in 1957 and added on to in 1966. The building is experiencing several issues both structurally and mechanically. The roof continues to leak despite a new roof being installed approximately 7 years ago, the foundation is cracking in several areas and there is water seeping into the library through the foundation. These two issues are directly related to each other. As the water continues to seep in through the foundation of the downstairs section of the building, it causes that part of the building to move. The foundation of the upstairs section of the building appears to be stable. The movement of the building has caused problems to develop in the area where the two building are attached to one another. Multiple attempts have been made over the years to stop the water leaks that develop in this area. Every attempt has been short-lived. When the building shifts, a new leak will appear. The roof also leaks in several classrooms because of the air conditioning units on top of the building, even though there have been multiple attempts to seal the areas around the units. The building is inefficient to heat and cool due to the atrium on the lower level and there is no heat or air conditioning in the hallways. During the past school year, the temperature in the hallway of the middle school registered 48 degrees on the coldest morning of the year. As we are headed back to school, the afternoon temperatures in the hallway will be around 90 degrees. The mechanical systems of the building are inefficient by today’s standards. Some classrooms continue to use heat units that were part of the original construction. The air conditioning units were installed after original construction and contribute to the problems with the roof leaking. The electrical system is not adequate to meet the demands for today’s modern classroom. Some classrooms have only one electrical outlet while others have been retrofitted to accommodate technology needs. The cafeteria that serves both the middle school and the elementary school was part of the original 1957 construction. This cafeteria is accessed by approximately 700 students per day and serves close to 1000 meals per day. The kitchen area is small and experiencing many of the same mechanical problems as the rest of the building. The plumbing and electrical systems, along with heat and air units, are old and in need of constant and costly repairs. The serving area does not flow well when students are receiving their meals, which causes delays for students during serving times. The cafeteria serves as a large group meeting place for the middle school as well as for community organizations. As you can read, there is a need for a new middle school and elementary cafeteria. Please remember the needs of the students when casting your vote in the upcoming school bond election.

APS did not qualify for the free lunch and breakfast program for all students this year. All students must fill out a lunch form and return it immediately. All returning students will have 30 days or until their lunch form is processed to determine if they are free, reduced, or paid. All new students, which includes Pre-K students will be charged until their lunch forms are processed and determined. Please get them in ASAP !!!  If you have any questions please call the cafeteria and someone will be able to help you.