.jpg)
Ceremony planned for May 5
RANDOLPH — Shovels will hit the dirt May 5, but for Randolph Public Schools, the groundbreaking ceremony marks far more than the start of construction — it’s the visible beginning of a project years in the making, shaped by voter input, trimmed by necessity and ultimately approved by a community ready to invest in its future.
District officials will host a public groundbreaking ceremony at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, at the elementary school courtyard — the future site of a new warming and serving kitchen that stands at the center of the scaled-down bond project.
The ceremony follows a successful special election in which Randolph voters approved an $8.75 million bond issue, giving the district the green light to move forward with a carefully revised plan for facility improvements.
Originally proposed as a $9.75 million project, the bond package was reduced after school board members revisited the scope, trimming costs while still addressing key needs across the district. The final plan focuses heavily on improving safety, updating aging infrastructure and enhancing student spaces — particularly at the elementary level.
Superintendent Daryl Schrunk said the process involved multiple revisions.
“We went back to the drawing table several times,” Schrunk said in earlier discussions. “In the end, we believe this project meets the needs of our students and community while staying financially responsible.”
Jackie Loberg | Randolph Times At the heart of the project is the new elementary kitchen addition, which will serve as a modern warming and serving space — replacing outdated facilities and improving efficiency for school meals.
The location of the May 5 ceremony underscores the importance of that addition, which also ties into broader improvements throughout the building.
In addition to the kitchen project, the bond includes HVAC system upgrades, electrical and lighting improvements, enhanced building security, renovated restrooms and updated classroom spaces.
Some originally proposed elements — including additional square footage at the Career Technical Education (CTE) and Ag building — were removed in an effort to reduce costs.
The district also leveraged approximately $1 million in special building fund reserves to offset the total bond amount, helping bring the project within reach for voters.
That balance appeared to resonate at the ballot box.
The bond issue passed by a 429291 margin, reflecting strong support from Randolph-area residents who viewed the project as a long-term investment in both education and the community itself.
“This is a great opportunity for the future of Randolph Public Schools,” Schrunk said following the vote. “We have a lot of work to still do, but I’m excited to be leading the next steps.”
The approval also positions Randolph alongside neighboring districts that have recently undertaken major facility improvements, part of a broader regional push to modernize school infrastructure and remain competitive in attracting and retaining students and staff.
While the construction phase now begins, district officials have emphasized that careful financial planning remains a priority. The bond structure allows for flexibility, including the option to refinance should interest rates improve — a safeguard designed to protect taxpayers over the life of the project.
Community members are encouraged to attend the May 5 ceremony, which will include brief remarks and an opportunity to view project plans. The event serves not only as a ceremonial kickoff, but also as a chance for residents to see firsthand how their vote is being put into action.
