With students set to be dismissed for the summer next week, Clinton Schools will see some noticeable projects tackled this summer.

Superintendent Drew Goebel indicates the big summer project will address the deteriorating parking lot at Clinton Junior High. The plan is to completely rip up the degraded pavement and lay down fresh asphalt across the entire front lot, the main circle drive, and the access road that links around to the back of the building.

The installation of a permanent safety fence wrapped entirely around the elementary playground area will take place this summer. Goebel explains this was prompted directly by student safety needs, serving as a protective barrier to prevent younger children from inadvertently drifting onto neighborhood properties or toward nearby Illini Drive.

The parking lot improvements represent a major financial commitment, with Goebel noting that completely resurfacing the district's paved areas can scale up into a half-million-dollar expenditure.