By By Irina Perry
Columbus City Schools (CCS) Superintendent/CEO Dr. Angela Chapman joined Columbus Board of Education members, students, and Salem Elementary Principal Aimee Pace to announce more than $60 million in capital improvement projects scheduled across the district this summer.
“Our neighborhood schools are the heart of our communities, and Salem Elementary is a great example of why these investments matter,” Dr. Chapman said.
“This summer, Salem will receive important updates that will make the building more welcoming for our students and staff. These new learning spaces, some designed with student input, reflect our commitment to creating 21st-century learning environments where students can feel proud, and ready to learn.”
The capital plan includes investment in renovations, playground upgrades, HVAC replacements, roof repairs, athletic facility improvements, classroom upgrades, parking lot resurfacing, and energy-efficient building improvements at schools across Columbus.
At Salem Elementary CCS will invest $6M for a full building refresh, a new playground and other outdoor improvements designed to improve learning spaces for students and staff, all to be completed before the start of the 2026-2027 school year.
Major projects planned for Summer 2026 include:
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HVAC replacements and upgrades at 11 schools and facilities – $7 million
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Roof replacements and exterior repairs at 11 schools across the District – $3 million
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New elementary school playgrounds at six sites – $4 million
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Outdoor athletic facility improvements at Beechcroft High School, Northland High School, and Walnut Ridge High School – $8 million
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Auditorium and gymnasium improvements at Hilltonia Middle School and Marion-Franklin High School- $ 3.6 million
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Asphalt and parking lot improvements at 11 sites across the District – $1 million
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Investments in learning environments, including general renovations at Salem Elementary School and Walnut Ridge High School, school furniture upgrades, and other improvements designed to support modern instruction and student collaboration – $20 million.Several projects will focus on sustainability and energy efficiency through upgraded systems, building envelope improvements, and infrastructure modernization.
“As we continue engaging residents and families through community conversations, we continue hearing the same message, our students deserve strong neighborhood schools today while we plan for the future,” said Columbus Board of Education President Dr. Antoinette Miranda.
“These summer investments allow us to maintain and improve the buildings families rely on every day while also preparing for long-term modernization across the District.”
CCS Chief Operating Officer Maurice Woods said the scope of work planned for Summer 2026 represents one of the District’s largest coordinated improvement efforts in recent years.
“Columbus City Schools manages more than 110 sites across our city, including many historic buildings that require constant investment and care,” Woods said.
“This summer, our project managers and facilities teams will oversee work on HVAC systems, roofs, parking lots, auditoriums, gyms, playgrounds, athletic fields, and classroom spaces across the District. Every project supports safer, stronger learning environments for students and staff.”
At Salem Elementary, students helped shape part of the renovation work by participating in planning conversations for the school’s new outdoor classroom.
“My favorite part of this project has been hearing directly from students about what they want their school to look and feel like,” said Director of Capital Improvements, Alex Trevino.
“Students shared ideas for the outdoor classroom, playground spaces, and how they want to learn outside. Seeing their ideas become reality is what makes this work meaningful.”
Pace said the renovation represents more than construction work, but a new opportunity for students.
“As I watch this renovation take shape, I think about what it means for our students, staff, and families,” Pace said.
“Our staff pours so much into this school community every day. These updated classrooms, learning spaces, and outdoor areas send a message to students that they matter and that this community believes in them.”
Construction projects will begin as soon as schools release for summer with many expected to finish before students return in August.
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