Ash Grove uses bond funds to add first storm shelters

The only school building in Bois D’Arc is gaining more safety features, space and a retooled name as part of projects in the Ash Grove R-IV School District.

The former elementary – constructed in the 1930s – is located at 10315 W. State Highway T in Bois D’Arc and will now be known as Ash Grove Intermediate at Bois D’Arc. It has been part of the Ash Grove district since 1958.

Ash Grove Superintendent Shane Medlin said updating the signage is just one part of a more than $3 million investment in the campus, which includes renovations and the addition of a storm shelter.

“What we really wanted was to reflect the district and the students served, as well as honor the history of that campus,” he said in an interview. “That building joined the district nearly 70 years ago, so we wanted Ash Grove to be part of the name.’

For years, the Bois D’Arc school served students in kindergarten through grade 6 who then transferred to the main Ash Grove campus for grades 7-12. Currently it operates as an intermediate school, serving roughly 170 students in grades 4-6.

In April 2025, voters approved a $7.5 million no-tax-increase bond issue, which adds to the district’s debt level but does not alter property tax bills. The funds will be used to add two storm shelters – the first in the district – at the Ash Grove and Bois D’Arc campuses.

Bond proceeds will also be used to repair roofs, install secure doors, upgrade heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and improve parking lots and accessibility. 

Medlin said as the district prepared to start bond projects, a tornadic storm with high winds ripped the roof off the Bois D’Arc school gym and ruined the floor. He said the repairs are covered by insurance.

At that campus, the storm shelter will include a cafeteria and community space. The project also includes a secure entrance and office plus better parking and traffic flow. The work is expected to be complete in October.

“It adds a kitchen because currently the kitchen is in the basement and students have to either go downstairs or they have to go outside on the ramp for ADA accessibility,” he said, referencing the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

At the main campus – which includes elementary and grades 7-12 – a storm shelter is being added that will house a new gym and art room.

Medlin said the district recently purchased a property adjacent to the main campus for its daycare program. He said by moving that out of the school, music classes – which had been housed in a modular unit – will move back into the building.

He said between new construction and shifting programs, seven classrooms are either created or freed up.

Medlin said the district earmarked capital funds plus an endowed gift to stretch bond proceeds to accomplish more than the original scope of projects. One of the additions was to create more parking for the upper grades.

The 800-student district has grown by 60 students in the past two years. Medlin said the changes will help the schools better serve its growing enrollment.

“It’s a desirable community and families are valuing a small town and small school feel,” he said. “Also, as the growth in Republic and Willard has pushed out, we are kind of the next level if you want to be close to Springfield or close to those areas, we are adjacent and you have easy access.”

Part of the bond-related work aims to improve the energy efficiency of the district.

“We’re upgrading our HVAC systems across the district with centralized controls and lighting for a big energy savings project,” Medlin said.