Sunman-Dearborn Board Approves Second Phase of Building Project

The majority of the second phase focuses on mechanical system replacements, with particular emphasis on the East Central HS.

(St. Leon, Ind.) - Sunman-Dearborn Community Schools is pleased to announce the commencement of the second phase of its building project, aimed at enhancing the overall infrastructure and ensuring a conducive learning environment for students. This initiative is based on a thorough facility assessment completed during the 2018-2019 school year, and subsequently updated in 2023, by the Lancer Associates.

The decision to embark on this project is rooted in the commitment to providing Sunman-Dearborn students with state-of-the-art learning spaces. The facility assessment conducted by Lancer Associates has been instrumental in identifying key areas for improvement, guiding the school district towards strategic and impactful upgrades.

The school board, recognizing the importance of responsible financial management, has financed both phases of the building project without an increase in the tax rate. This reflects a dedication to fiscal prudence while ensuring that students benefit from a modern and safe educational environment.

"We are excited to enter the second phase of our building project, as it represents a significant step towards fulfilling our commitment to providing an excellent education in quality facilities," said Dr. Jackson, Superintendent of Sunman-Dearborn Community Schools. "The facility assessment conducted by Lancer Associates has been invaluable in shaping our priorities and guiding our investments for the benefit of our students and the community." Maxwell Construction will continue their partnership with Lancer and the school by serving as the Construction Manager for the project.

The majority of the second phase focuses on mechanical system replacements, with particular emphasis on the East Central High School. As part of this endeavor, all 38 rooftop units utilized for heating, air conditioning, and ventilation at the high school will be replaced, contributing to the overall efficiency and sustainability of the educational facilities. The estimated total construction cost of the building project is approximately $33M, with mechanical and infrastructure upgrades costing $23M of the total project. Lancer is currently completing the Design Development and Schematic Design of the project, with bidding anticipated for late summer, and installation to begin in May of 2025.

Sunman-Dearborn Community Schools looks forward to the successful implementation of the second phase of the building project and is grateful for the continued support of the community in fostering an enriching educational experience.

For more information on the building project, including a preliminary list of items to be completed, go to https://www.sunmandearborn.k12.in.us/information/2024-building-project