Aging infrastructure, mismatched furniture, dimly lit hallways, and playgrounds past their prime were among the concerns observed by members of the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) during a facilities bus tour on October 8, 2025. The two-bus caravan visited Dobie Junior High School, Wilder Intermediate School, and Watts Elementary School to inspect buildings that may be considered for improvement through a possible bond in May 2025.
One bus, led by Superintendent Paige Meloni and Deanna Jackson, Executive Director of Communications and Community Relations, toured Wilder, Watts, and Dobie. The second bus, led by Kelly Kovacs, Assistant Superintendent, and JD Mosley, Chief Operations Officer, began its route at Dobie—originally built in 1974 and last renovated in 2015.
At Dobie, participants observed limited and repurposed athletic spaces, including old locker rooms and shower areas, a grass field in poor condition, classrooms without windows, and a cafeteria with a patchwork of tile and terrazzo flooring.
“It was never expected to have a weight room,” said Mosley, referring to Dobie’s transition from an intermediate to a junior high campus. “So where do we find a space? An old locker room with a shower—and here we are.”
SCUC Athletic Director Scott Lehnhoff guided the group through Dobie’s athletic facilities, noting the challenges students face. “Notice between the hashes,” he said, pointing toward the field. “There are dips and holes—lots of ankle-twisters. It could definitely use some work.”
Participants also toured classrooms currently serving as choir and orchestra spaces, which are smaller and less equipped than those at other secondary campuses. Behind the main building, the area between the campus and portables is humorously nicknamed “Lake Dobie,” as heavy rains often make it impassable between class periods.
“Some of these buildings aren’t up to code anymore, and they’re ugly,” said Karissa Tidwell, CAC member and third-grade teacher at Paschal Elementary. “Our kids deserve great learning spaces—not just for academics but for extracurriculars, too. We need to foster that.”
At Wilder Intermediate School, built in 1996 with an additional wing added in 2015, committee members noted narrow hallways, outdated restrooms, and cramped learning spaces. The campus currently uses a portable for choir and a small orchestra room with limited storage. The library still features its original mini blinds from nearly 30 years ago.
“I had no idea these schools were so outdated,” said Yessica Marks, whose children attend Rose Garden Elementary (opened in 2018) and Corbett Junior High (opened in 2009). While acknowledging that a bond could bring a tax increase, Marks said she understands the importance of modern, functional facilities. “We want them to have air conditioning that works, no leaks, and furniture that’s not falling apart.”
The final stop was Watts Elementary, which opened in 1999. Many of the same issues seen at Dobie and Wilder were present, along with aging playground equipment that’s now more than 26 years old. A unique feature of the campus—known by staff as the “hot breezeway”—serves as the only access point for grounds crews to reach the courtyard to mow.
“We want our students and families to feel proud of the schools they attend,” said Tidwell. “We’re doing the best we can, but there’s a lot that can be done to make every building the best it can be.”
