Freeman board OKs bond plan
The Freeman District School Board is expected to ask voters this spring to approve an estimated $19.3 million bond to modernize and expand its elementary and high school along with other campuswide improvements.
The board unanimously approved the “recommendation for capital projects” study outlining the $29.5 improvements last week.
“After 50 years, we need to bring our facilities up to current standards,” said Chad Goldsmith, board chairman. The document outlined improvements costing approximately $19.3 million from the passage of a bond and $10.2 million in state matching funds.
The board based its decision on a 2007 state-funded study and survey, which analyzed the overall condition of the school facilities and input from five community study sessions held in October and November. Community members identified campuswide improvements: safety and security, building and infrastructure, and educational needs.
The proposed modernization would bring both facilities up to current safety codes and educational standards. Renovations identified in the modernization include new mechanical and electrical systems, roof and improvements to each building’s interior and exterior.
It also includes 12,000 additional square feet for the high school and 9,000 square feet for the elementary. Both facilities would acquire additional classrooms and support space, along with a new multipurpose room, cafeteria and kitchen.
The age of both schools allows the district to apply for state matching funds. Freeman voters have rejected building bonds three times in the last five years. Each one failed with more than over 50 percent approval. Passage of school bond issues requires super majority 60-percent approval.
In 2005, the board asked the voters to approve an $11.7 million bond, which would have cost taxpayers $1.50 per $1,000 assessed evaluation.
Although the proposed bond amount may be larger than the 2005 bond, voters may end up paying less per year than what they would have in 2005. The middle school bond, currently assessed at $1.04 per $1,000 valuation, will be paid off in December 2008. A tech levy will be retired in 2009.
“We’re excited and optimistic the timing is right for the voters,” Freeman Superintendent Sergio Hernandez said. “This is something we must undertake. Construction costs are not going down.”
The recommended construction timetable estimates a 16-month project at the high school to begin in spring 2009. The projected 12-month elementary school project would begin in summer 2010.
During the Nov. 28 study session, David Huotari from ALSC Architects compared construction schedule scenarios and itemized costs for an aggressive remodel (modernization) against new construction.
Huotari estimates the remodel/addition to the high school would cost more than $17 million, while replacing the existing school with a new facility could cost more than $22 million.
Huotari estimates the elementary remodel/addition costing $9.1 million, with new construction at $10.8 million.
Huotari also provided estimates of $200,000 for repairs to the middle school and $2.5 million for campus improvements such as parking and Jackson Road access.