Operations & Facilities

Crews have been working rapidly to build up the masonry walls around the building. In the Second Grade wing, the roof is on and the cement floors are already poured, thanks to the hard work of machines, operators, and skilled workers. Below, a small group of friendly construction bots can be seen taking a well-earned break after assisting with the roof installation. Beep bop boop! (That means thanks for the lift.)

The new K-2 Elementary building in Jackson Park is quickly coming together after a long summer of progress. The steel crews began installing columns in the lobby and gymnasium in early August. The masonry contractor can be seen finishing up the second grade wing below, and the walls of the new art room and the media center are in place.

The new Lower Elementary School is rising! All three academic wings are beginning to soar at the Jackson Park construction site. We are so excited to see this community asset taking shape.

FHS athletics facilities are coming along swiftly. A sound system, new lighting, and acoustic wave panels are being installed in the pool area this week. Additionally, the tile contractor has started installation of the large format wall tiles. The locker room's underground plumbing has been replaced and is awaiting inspection, then the floor slabs will be poured back in place and the new masonry walls can start going in.

On the fitness center side, work is essentially complete up to the point of the temporary ramp removal in early July. At that point, the new flooring will go down and the new fitness equipment will come out of storage for installation. #flyhighMIeagles

Ferndale Upper Elementary School (FUEL) was recently improved with a new secure vestibule, to provide a higher level of security in our buildings. All visitors will now be buzzed into the first set of doors and required to pass through the office for screening before entering the building. The improvement also included high efficiency lighting and a more inviting, contemporary aesthetic. These improvements were made with bond funds at no tax rate increase.

The new elementary school at Jackson Park will break ground on April 6th at 3:30 pm, and we are excited to release these new renders of the upcoming project. Please join us for the groundbreaking ceremony!

The transportation staff was treated to a BBQ in appreciation of their hard work this past year. Director of Operations Jamie Stottlemyer and ABM Supervisor Duane Springer grilled up some ribs and chicken for the occasion. The team was able to enjoy their food in the newly renovated staff area at the Transportation Center. Transportation has been an invaluable resource this year, filling in as custodians, parapros, lunchtime aids and more. Please join us in showing your appreciation for these hard-working members of the Ferndale Family!

Our building has been improved with a new health room (including a private bathroom). This addition was part of the summer Bond-funded construction, which also beautified our reception area and added a secure vestibule to our entryway. Visitors can now be routed directly to the reception area before entering the rest of the building. This multi-stage, remotely locked system includes nearly impenetrable SchoolGuard Glass for state of the art security.

The FECC Staff room was improved with new fixtures and furniture. We are so happy to share this comfortable new space with our staff, the lifeblood of everything we do here. 

The motor room was also improved, so that our developing students have a safe and comfortable place to practice movement skills.

Have you been into our renovated buildings recently? Over the summer of 2021, bond funds allowed us to make some major improvements. The hard to spot features include a brand new roof and high-efficiency temperature control units in all classrooms. Other features are much more obvious.

Classrooms have new lighting, ceiling tiles, and flooring. Hallways and lockers have been improved as well, and water bottle filling stations were installed.

Our gymnasium was restored over the summer, complete with stylish new bathrooms.

The FUEL Cafeteria was renovated over the summer, from floor to ceiling.

The Ferndale Early Childhood Center has a brand new accessible playground for our earliest learners to enjoy!  The work was completed over the summer, and the students are thrilled to explore and learn in the new nature, themed accessible playground. From left to right, the new play area includes:

• a natural play area and climbing dome
• a playhouse with slide and climbing bridges
• a covered picnic area and sound discovery stations
• a connected fort complex with tunnels, slides, and climbing walls
• and a swing set

Scroll down for more detailed images of these exciting new outdoor learning opportunities.

The UHS media center went through a much needed transformation over the summer. The new media center now has two student-centered breakout spaces, an enlarged computer lab and additional offices. These spaces have also been outfitted with collaborative and modern furnishings.

Construction 

Work has started on the bus garage to modernize this facility.  A portion of the old warehouse is being utilized to create a new dispatch center, offices and a conference room.  The old driver lounge is being doubled in size and turned into a training room and modern break space.  Demolition is nearly complete, the plumbers have put in the underground plumbing and the HVAC contractor is installing new ductwork.