UPDATE: Greenville Public Schools is gearing up to launch a series of substantial projects funded by a newly approved $18.6 million sinking fund. Following the successful May 6 election, where the measure passed with 1,975 votes in favor and 1,877 votes against, district officials are moving quickly to outline the first projects.
During a recent Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Wayne Roedel announced that planning sessions with architecture and engineering firm Kingscott Associates Inc. are already underway. “We have started biweekly meetings with Kingscott and we are really beginning to plan around our 10-year plan,” Roedel stated.
The sinking fund, which will collect approximately $1.6 million annually, aims to address critical infrastructure needs across the district. Significant projects are set to commence in 2026, targeting upgrades in schools such as a roof replacement at Greenville High School and districtwide technology improvements costing $370,000.
By 2027, the project scope will expand dramatically. The district anticipates spending $2.7 million on essential upgrades, including HVAC systems at Cedar Crest Elementary School and new collaborative spaces at Walnut Hills Elementary School. “The majority of that work really begins in the summer of ’26, then a lot of big stuff happens in the summer of ’27,” Roedel confirmed.
The urgency of these projects cannot be overstated, as they address long-standing infrastructure issues that have impacted student learning environments. “We’re planning over a year in advance to ensure all projects align with our timeline and budget,” Roedel added. The district’s commitment to transparency means that all decisions regarding expenditures will involve the Board of Education, ensuring community oversight.
Trustee Brian Gardner raised concerns about how board members would stay informed on project developments. Roedel assured him that all bids and project proposals would flow through the board finance committee before final approval, ensuring that the public remains involved in the process.
In addition to infrastructure updates, Roedel reported a decline in bullying incidents within the district. A total of 37 reports were documented for the 2024-2025 school year, compared to 42 incidents in the previous year. “Our numbers are fairly similar and down a little bit compared to last year,” Roedel noted, emphasizing the district’s continuous efforts to address and reduce bullying.
The board also underwent a leadership reshuffle during its organizational meeting, with Kire Wierda re-elected as president and Richelle Lentz stepping up as vice president.
As Greenville Public Schools prepares to embark on these transformative projects, community members are encouraged to stay engaged and informed. With construction set to accelerate in the coming years, the educational landscape for Greenville students is poised for significant improvements.
Parents and stakeholders are reminded to attend upcoming board meetings to witness firsthand the developments as they unfold. The urgency to enhance school facilities and maintain transparency in spending will be a top priority over the next decade.
