Feasibility Study Updates

The District has been working on a feasibility study to assess present and future requirements that we will have to address with regard to facilities. It is required prior to construction in which reimbursement from the state is sought.  The study is required to look ahead at the needs within a school building for the next twenty years. The feasibility study team, which includes the Cabinet and School Board representatives, looked at current and forecasted attendance, current building usage of the schools, changes in curriculum and state mandates, and the age and conditions of the schools. Expected growth in the District was also identified (from 7100 to 7500 by 2020 and 7900 by 2030).

During the January School Board meetings, we made presentations on growth areas in the district and our current capacity for that growth. We will continue to look at other aspects of the study at the following meetings:

• February 2 at 7 pm: Dr. O’Donnell, Assistant Superintendent - Elementary, will share elementary program needs and their impact on our facilities.
  
• February 9 at 7:30 pm: Dr. Adams, Assistant Superintendent – Secondary, will share secondary program needs.
  
• March 2 at 7 pm: Mrs. Mary Lynne Kniley, Director of Finance, will review current debt structure and discuss what the district can take on as new debt.
  
• April 6 at 7 pm and 13 at 7:30 pm: Presentation of options to consider as a result of the feasibility study and previous discussions. Pros/cons and estimated cost for each option will be shared.
  
• May/June: Board to make decisions based on feasibility study and discussions.