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Facilities Update -
The USD 289 bond project is complete!
Almost five years ago, approximately 50 USD 289 stakeholders, including parents, patrons, business owners, staff, students, and board of education members, gathered to begin discussing dreams, goals, and plans for the next five years in USD 289. The committee dedicated multiple nights and many hours to this work. From this work, a strategic plan was created, including one goal involving facilities. A facilities committee was then formed, and approximately 50 stakeholders spent the next 1.5 years reviewing facilities audits, stakeholder surveys, possible project plans, and, eventually, pricing. This work resulted in an $18.1 million bond issue that went to voters in May 2021. Voters approved the bond issue by a 2:1 margin, which is reflective of the fact that this was truly a community plan. The project highlights include:
- Roof replacement (WES)
- Roof repair (WHS)
- HVAC Replacement (WES/WMS/WHS)
- Concrete and asphalt replacement (WMS/WHS)
- Secure Entrances (all three offices)
- Blue Gym Locker room Remodel
- New Locker rooms off of the KD Gym
- Remodel of all restrooms (WMS/WHS)
- Corridor and Facade Upgrade (WMS/WHS)
- Classroom Renovations (WMS/WHS)
- Science - full remodel
- Family and Consumer Science - full remodel
- Handicap-accessible entrances and classroom remodels (WMS)
- Acoustic Upgrades with new light/sound (Cafeteria)
- A new wrestling room and new weight room
At this point, the project is 99% complete. A few punch list items and parts of the project where materials were delayed will be completed this Fall. This includes lights/sounds in the cafeteria. It was the goal of the board of education and committee to ensure local contractors had every opportunity to be involved in the project. To my knowledge, all but one local contractor who submitted a proposal was awarded the bid. This kept local tax dollars in the hands of local businesses as well as all the money the project brought to Wellsville, with the workers eating in town and buying gas in town.
It is important to note that the design and management of this project were key to its successful completion. HTK Architects, Loyd Builders, and the Board of Education did a tremendous job. They shared a common vision but also understood that any remodel can include some unknowns. Contingency funds were allotted in a manner that allowed us to address those unknowns as they arose but also meet the goals of the project. This allowed our project to finish under budget and use the remaining funds to extend the project goals. Additionally, the projected mil levy increase came in under projections. In short, the project was completed with more than promised at a lower cost to taxpayers than projected.
A student's daily schedule looks different than it did ten years ago. Many of our students today take college and technical courses in off-site locations. They may also take evening classes. Our students today graduate with a diploma but with completion or progress toward a district outcome. Those outcomes include An ACT score of 21, 12 or more college hours, an industry-recognized certificate, a Workkeys certificate, or acceptance into the military. Five years ago, when these were established, less than 50% of students achieved one of these outcomes. In the graduating class of 2023, 94% of students achieved one of these outcomes along with their diploma. The spaces created with this project provide a safe and secure educational facility but also one that is flexible and responsive to students’ needs. The completion of this project also supports future growth that occurs in the district. However, we will also remain diligent and proactive as we consider the future facility needs of our students. We will be asking our stakeholders to continue to participate and share feedback in these conversations in the coming months and years.
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