Editor's Note: This article is updated to reflect that Windy Hills students will relocate to Buffalo Hills in the 2024-25 school year.

KEARNEY, Neb. — Kearney Public Schools will be working on more than $14 million of improvements to its facilities this summer.

The district announced details and timelines for the projects on Monday. Crews will work on Horizon Middle School, Sunrise Middle School, Park Elementary, Kenwood Elementary and Windy Hills Elementary. The projects are part of the district’s ongoing initiative to enhance its facilities.

"These initiatives underscore our commitment to providing state-of-the-art learning environments that prioritize safety and functionality,” Superintendent Jason Mundorf said in a statement. “Kearney Public Schools has a long-standing history of taking care of their building assets and these projects continue those historical efforts of maintaining excellent facilities for our students and staff."

The biggest project is the continuation of work at Windy Hills Elementary. The $8.2 million renovation is already in progress. The school will be empty during the 2024-25 school year. Students will relocate to Buffalo Hills Elementary for classes.

"The transformation at Windy Hills is one of our most ambitious projects, set to significantly enhance the educational landscape in our district and the learning environment for the students and staff at Windy Hills,” Mundorf said.

Windy Hills Elementary

  • Scope: Windy Hills Elementary is undergoing a complete makeover to transform it into a state-of-the-art learning facility, scheduled to welcome students back in the 2025 academic year.
  • Current Status: In Progress, to reopen in August 2025
  • Budget: Approximately $8.2 million

Horizon Middle School

  • Scope: This project includes the replacement and modification of the entire roof and some interior work to move roof drains, ensuring a safer and more functional facility for our students and educators.
  • Project Start: May 20, 2024
  • Expected Completion: Early Fall 2024
  • Budget: Approximately $3.1 million 

Sunrise Middle School

  • Scope: Upgrades at Sunrise Middle School encompass a new track, field, press box, seating, and scoreboard. Additionally, two new classrooms and an updated Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Lab will be added, significantly enhancing the school's athletic and educational facilities.
  • Current Status: In Progress, set to finish on August 10, 2024
  • Budget: Approximately $2.5 million

Park Elementary

  • Scope: Park Elementary will see the addition of ADA-compliant restrooms near the main entrance and new flooring in the corridor and café, improving accessibility and aesthetics of the school.
  • Project Start: May 17, 2024
  • Expected Completion: August 2, 2024
  • Budget: Approximately $400,000

Kenwood Elementary

  • Scope: This project focuses on converting existing flex space into a new TLC classroom, further enhancing the learning experience for students requiring tailored learning conditions.
  • Current Status: In Progress, to be completed on August 10, 2024
  • Budget: Approximately $125,000