Neighbors of Runyon Elementary School were invited to a special open house Thursday, September 1 to see the school's renovations first hand.  The school had been closed during the 2015-2016 school year while extensive improvements were made, thanks to the LPS community's passage of an $80 million bond election in 2013.  Runyon students attended school in the nearby Whitman facility last year during the renovations and moved back into their school this past summer for the 16-17 school year. 

Runyon was built in 1969 and is 47 years old.  Its roof was failing, and its aging heating, cooling and ventilation systems, fire alarm and safety systems needed to be upgraded and repaired. Its technology infrastructure needed to be upgraded to keep up with the demands of 21st century learning. Through the bond program, LPS was able to replace Runyon's failing roofing and air handling systems with long-term solutions and provide much needed natural light to the school. By replacing failing roofing with a steel roof structure, the community has essentially given Runyon another 50 years of life for about half the cost of a new school.  Runyon is a great example of how bond dollars can prolong the life of aging facilities, improve safety and security, and meet the needs of 21st century learning and teaching.  Thanks also to the generous donations of the Runyon PTO and the City of Littleton, an Arapahoe County Open Space grant was secured to help fund an amazing new playground for Runyon students and the neighborhood for years of enjoyment! 

Many people were involved in this renovation process, and many teachers, students and families made sacrifices during the year of construction.  LPS extends a heartfelt thank you to all impacted by the project.  Most importantly, thanks to the Runyon neighborhood for their patience through the months of noise and messy construction.  Thanks to their partnership, Runyon will serve the community for another 50 years!

Thank you, LPS community, for your support!