School board members in Arkansas City Monday approved construction plans for the $5 million revamping of IXL elementary. The project is funded mostly through a bond issue approved by voters earlier this year.
The district should begin receiving bids on the project by the first of the year, according to Kenton Cox, of Schaefer Johnson Cox and Frey Architecture.
The oldest part of the existing building will be torn down and replaced, the newer portion will be renovated.
New features in the plan included a more efficient heating and cooling system, a new driveway, sidewalk and a parking lot to separate the school from the highway. A FEMA-funded shelter, new security features and additional classroom space are also part of the project.
Cox said the project appears to be coming in right on budget for what was expected and planned for during the bond issue, which was around $5.4 million.
