Summer is typically the time maintenance crews have an opportunity to perform upgraded projects on schools since they’re empty and allow for more work on larger portions of buildings.  But maintenance crews have also felt the effects of budget tightening.  This year District 51 schools in Grand Junction have reduced maintenance funds from $1.4 million to $838 thousand.  Projects that will be undertaken include new roofs on Broadway, Orchard Ave and Pomona elementary schools.  The average age of those buildings are 20 years old and work on those buildings are long overdue.  The district also has enough funds to replace the lighting fixtures on the stages at Central and Palisade high schools with LED lights which uses a lot less energy than conventional lights.