Facilities Projects in Blaine County Schools

In August 2022, voters in the Blaine County School District approved a Plant Facilities Levy, allowing the district to move forward with a number of key facility improvement projects. These projects will cover improving, maintaining, and repairing existing buildings, including roof repairs and replacements. They also include furnishing and equipping buildings, safety and security improvements, LED lighting, and updates to mechanical systems, appliances, technology, and heating, ventilation, and sanitation facilities.

These much-needed projects will touch every single building in our district, while giving particular attention to schools with the most significant needs. Below you will find updates on the upgrades taking place throughout our school facilities.

The Carey High School roof is being upgraded from a TPO membrane that has leaked over the years.   The membrane is being replaced with a ballasted EPDM roof membrane that has proven effective at our other school locations.  A felt liner is being installed between the EPDM membrane and the ballasting material to help protect the membrane from punctures.  The solar panels are being lifted and the new membrane installed underneath.  As part of the upgrade an inch and a half of additional insulation is being added to the roof.  The roof will have a 30 year warranty upon completion.

The multipurpose addition to the Carey Gym has begun for the addition of a weight room and locker room.  Excavation and moving of utilities out from under the new foundation has occurred.  Demolition of needed areas and new doorways have been cut.  The floor has been cut to accommodate the new locations for plumbing fixtures and drains.  Concrete footings are scheduled for the week of July 21st.  Materials have been ordered.  Completion of the addition is scheduled for February.  The existing Ag Shop being used as the weight room is still scheduled from demo and parking installation spring of 2026.  Additional pictures will be coming to update progress in the future.

Carey Campus interior lighting is in the process of being upgraded to LED.  This is occurring in all the interior spaces throughout the campus.  Lighting is being changed from fluorescent to LED.  We are working with Idaho Power for energy efficient rebates at both Carey and Silver Creek.  The high school and gym are complete.  The elementary school is scheduled to be completed August 8th. 

Silver Creek High School LED lighting upgrade is nearing completion.  Lighting has been changed from fluorescent to LED throughout the school.  

The Hailey Irrigation Well has been drilled! The pump is installed. Connection to the existing irrigation system is under way. Power and controls are scheduled for this fall, ready for use in the spring irrigation season of 2024. The area will be fenced off in the spring.  

The WRHS boiler project is complete! There are three new two million BTU, 95% efficient heat boilers, and a new domestic hot water boiler.

The concrete edges, asphalt surface, four long/triple jump pits, two discus pits, and bleach pad have been completed! The weather did not cooperate after the asphalt was cured to install the rubber surface. The rubber surface, discus nets, and lane painting will occur in the spring of 2024 as weather permits.  

The WRHS boiler project is well underway! Four heat boilers have been removed, a housekeeping pad was poured, and piping is underway for the new boilers. We are leaving the domestic hot water boiler in place for use during summer school, and then will do a quick swap-out to limit any periods of no hot water for the kitchen and restrooms.

We are also wrapping up fire alarm inspections! This has included the installation of radio communication for monitoring. There was an up-front cost for the radios, but we will now be able to disconnect the unreliable copper phone lines and save on the monthly fee for phone lines moving forward. Each building had at least two copper phone lines for the fire system, along with additional lines for buildings with intrusion alert systems. 

The Hailey Elementary well project is also underway. Once complete, it will reduce long-term costs for the building by moving off city water to a local well for irrigation. Below is a picture of a well being drilled at Hailey:

Here are photos of the Carey Track reconstruction in progress.   

WRHS track resurface project has been completed.  

These are pictures of the WRHS track prior to resurfacing.