Coldwater Schools completes major summer facility upgrades

Coldwater Exempted Village Schools is wrapping up a busy slate of summer improvement projects as the district prepares for the 2026-27 school year.

Superintendent Doug Mader provided an update following the Coldwater Board of Education’s July 21 meeting, saying the work is part of the district’s long-term effort to remain proactive with its buildings and infrastructure.

The district has installed new windows at the elementary school. The previous windows had been sealed and screwed shut because of leaks, while the replacements are fully operational and will allow fresh air into the building.

At the high school, crews removed the windows, recaulked and resealed them, and installed new insulation after water infiltration damaged portions of the interior walls. Those walls have since been repaired and the windows reinstalled.

The district also widened the sidewalk along Vine Street to improve safety for students getting on and off school buses.

A gravel parking lot across from the high school has been paved, adding parking spaces and improving safety for students. The lot is expected to be painted soon.

The elementary circle drive, which is primarily used for student drop-off and pickup, is also being repaved to provide safer access for families and younger students.

Inside the middle school, worn carpeting has been replaced with a new material called Kinetex. Mader said the product has the appearance of carpet but the durability of tile.

The district’s final major summer project will involve replacing the football stadium lights with LED fixtures. The current lights do not provide enough illumination for nighttime events. The new system is expected to improve safety and visibility while reducing energy costs.

Mader thanked the district’s maintenance, custodial and year-round staff members for their work throughout the summer.

The board also approved Roger Knaple as the district’s new director of maintenance. Mitch Voskuhl, who previously held the position, will move into the role of assistant director.

Mader thanked Voskuhl for his 30 years of service to Coldwater Schools and said the district will continue to benefit from his experience and knowledge.

During the meeting, Treasurer Carissa Koesters also reviewed the district’s financial performance. Mader said the district was 98 percent accurate in its forecasting for the previous fiscal year and also received updates on investments and cash balances.