Sidewalk upgrades near completion at three SJSD schools

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) --  The St. Joseph School District has just wrapped up sidewalk improvement projects, which kicked off back in the fall of 2024. 

Elementary schools like Pickett and Parkway, as well as Spring Garden Middle School, were on the list for the much-needed upgrades

SJSD officials said the work is expected to be complete in about three weeks.

In the meantime, the sidewalks are still open and safe for the public to use.  

“The sidewalk projects are 95 percent completed. There’s some small dirt work, grass things like that are left to be finished,” said Casey Housman, SJSD's director of operations.  

Housman explained that the upgrades were necessary not only to make school areas more accessible, but also to build on improvements made last year. 

The project was funded through the 2022 no-tax-increase bond, which is also covering other upgrades across the district. For example, the Oak Grove site circulation plan is underway, creating an access road that loops around the entire building.  

“We have three turf football fields that are close to completion. Central just started with the installation of the shock pad, so hopefully we will have some turf down there in the next coming week,” Housman said.  

Fine arts facilities are also getting attention. Updates are planned for auditorium lighting, stage painting and sound systems at 24 schools. Middle schools will even see brand-new stages installed.  

“People are very happy, they think it's a nice, safe spot to go because it's new and not uneven,” Housman said.  

Housman also said more improvements are expected throughout the rest of the school year.