Chandler Schools Secure $1.5 Million for Flooring Upgrades

The Chandler Unified Governing Board has approved significant upgrades to school facilities, focusing primarily on flooring replacements at five schools. The board’s decision, made during its regular meeting on February 25, 2024, allocates approximately $1.5 million from the district’s recently approved $271.5 million bond, which received narrow voter approval last November.

The schools benefiting from the new flooring include Andersen Elementary, Ryan Elementary, Chandler Traditional Academies (CTA) Independence, CTA Freedom, and Payne Junior High School. According to Assistant Superintendent Tom Dunn, the flooring installation is set to commence during the district’s upcoming spring break and is expected to be completed by the end of summer 2024.

Dunn explained that some of the carpeting replacement in classrooms might be carried out at night to minimize disruption. However, more intensive tasks, such as heavy tile installation and grinding, will necessitate work during the summer months. These contracts also include labor costs for moving furniture in and out of various classrooms and communal spaces.

Many of the existing flooring materials have served the schools well, with some installations over 20 years old. For instance, CTA Independence, which opened in 2006, still features its original carpet and flooring. The current white tile, commonly found in high-traffic areas, tends to discolor over time and requires significant maintenance. To address this, the district plans to replace it with a durable and low-maintenance polished concrete surface.

Local contractors have been engaged to manage the extensive flooring work across the district. InteriorWorx Commercial Flooring has been awarded a contract worth $567,000 for Andersen Elementary and CTA Independence. Wholesale Floors received a $570,000 contract for CTA Freedom and Ryan Elementary, while Continental Flooring secured a $337,000 contract for Payne Junior High School.

The planned renovations reflect the district’s commitment to enhancing the learning environment for students. As work progresses, the Chandler Unified School District aims to ensure that facilities remain safe and welcoming for both students and staff.