Following these projects, the District retained Schaefer to develop a comprehensive master plan for all district facilities. The impetus of the study was the evaluation of the aging school buildings and the need for expanding or building new schools to accommodate the planned growth of returning troops and their families. After a presentation of the study to the army, it was determined that new and improved facilities were warranted at Fort Riley. The federal government partnered with the school district to provide much-needed funding. Three new replacement schools with expanded capacity were built at Fort Riley over a 5-year period. These include Seitz Elementary, (675 student capacity), Fort Riley Elementary (450 student capacity) and Fort Riley Middle School (800 student capacity). A new library, multipurpose room and student support space were added to Ware Elementary, also located on the installation. The investment in these schools totaled nearly $97 million.
Improvements to the remaining elementary schools and Junction City High School are on-going and include building additions and infrastructure upgrades. Roofing, mechanical equipment, electrical capacity, new lighting, fire alarms, intercoms and finishes have been updated or replaced.
Schaefer continues to work with the district to identify remaining needs and also assists with the development of a yearly budget for capital outlay funds.
