As Fair Grove Schools began its 2019-2020 school year, one of the changes it unveiled was the newly renovated bathrooms outside the High School Gym. Having remained unchanged for nearly forty years, the dated restrooms were deemed in need of an overhaul. Renovations began during the summer and concluded about a week and a half into the school year.

Fair Grove Schools Superintendent Mike Bell had a hand in organizing the renovation of the bathrooms. “The high school gym lobby restroom renovation project was considered in part due to the condition of the facilities and the functionality. Being the most widely used, as well as most seen restrooms in the district by students and the community, the school district felt it was time to address much-needed upgrades,” stated Bell.

When the remodel was decided upon, the school district first bid the project out to gauge how much the renovations would cost. Mr. Bell noted, “The initial proposed project was bid out with an estimated cost of over $85,000. The district wisely decided to reject the bids and tackle the project within. In the end, the restroom project cost approximately $36,000.” Bell also elaborated on the execution of the undertaking, explaining, “The school district served as the general contractor utilizing subcontractors from the SW [South West] Missouri area along with our own maintenance staff and custodians to complete the project.”

The effect that the redesigned bathroom has had on the school’s morale is unclear. Mr. Bell disclosed, “Though probably too early to gauge the impact on the school environment, from a functionality standpoint, the project was a much-needed upgrade to an almost 40-year-old facility.”