FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Following the failure of the initial bond proposal, the district revised the project to reduce costs while preserving elements that had strong community support. The new plan eliminates renovations to the current high school auditorium and band, choir and drama classrooms, and reduces the size of the new auditorium by approximately 200 seats. A centrally located library was removed, with a smaller library now planned within the new Junior High by modifying classroom space. These changes lowered the original $43.5 million proposal by $2.7 million. However, increased construction costs over the past year have offset some of the savings, resulting in a new bond amount of $42 million.

The new design connects the current High School with the Junior High, allowing students to move between classes without going outside. This improves safety by eliminating unlocked doors during passing periods and ensures all visitors must check in with school staff throughout the entire day. Additionally, the design includes new, clearly marked drop-off and pick-up lanes with dedicated bus cutaways to improve traffic flow and student safety before and after school. 

The new facility integrates high school classroom space dedicated to occupational and technical training. These spaces will support hands-on learning in trades that are critical now and in the future. Students will have access to modern, adaptable facilities for wood shop, welding, small engine repair, construction, agriculture, and more. This design reflects a commitment to preparing students for success in both postsecondary education and direct-to-workforce pathways.

The existing Junior High building has been evaluated and found to have a limited remaining lifespan and significant structural concerns down to its foundation. Additionally, the building was not designed to meet current educational demands or modern safety standards. Remodeling would be a temporary and less cost-effective solution compared to new construction. The proposed design replaces this deteriorating structure with a long-term facility built on the existing school campus, eliminating the need for new land purchases while addressing structural, safety, and educational needs.

Occupational training spaces, such as wood shops, welding, and small engine labs, lack sufficient space and modern safety features. The current shop areas are extremely constricted, especially as new technologies like CNC routers, 3D printers, laser etchers, small engine workstations, welding booths, and modern woodworking equipment must all share a limited area. These limitations hinder instruction, the addition of innovative programing, and prevent students from fully engaging with hands-on learning in today’s career and technical education programs.

A new auditorium is necessary because the current facility no longer meets the needs of our high school and junior high students. The existing space has worn-out seating, flooring, and curtains; a failing lighting and sound system; and a stage surface in disrepair. It also lacks the stage size and functionality required for modern theatrical productions and band and choir concerts, and it does not meet current standards for hosting One Act competitions. Limited spectator seating makes the current auditorium usable for only a small number of performances. Addressing these limitations requires constructing a new auditorium that supports all types of student performances, classes, and events, while also being available to serve the needs of the broader community.

Registered voters residing in the district will have the opportunity to vote For or Against a bond amount not to exceed $42,000,000.

The $42,000,000 bond will have a net levy impact of $0.264 per $100 of assessed property value. For $100,000 personal property, this is an additional $22 per month or $264 per year. See tax calculator under the financials page.

The board engaged an architect and a construction manager to determine an ‘all in’ bond amount. The architect developed a detailed design concept, and the construction manager created a detailed estimate incorporating all anticipated costs, including contingencies and inflation. The district will also work with a reputable construction firm experienced in completing similar projects on budget.

While economic conditions vary, the need for improved educational facilities remains critical. The Board of Education believes the project's urgency justifies proceeding, as waiting could lead to higher construction costs due to inflation. Bond issues are often refinanced to lower rates, potentially reducing the tax burden or paying off the bond earlier.

If the bond does not pass, the district will continue to face challenges from outdated and inadequate facilities. Repairs would be funded through existing general and special building funds, delaying improvements, limiting their scope, and potentially compromising safety and educational quality. The board would then review feedback to determine next steps.

The project includes constructing a new Junior High School building. Enhancements will cover industrial/agricultural arts classrooms and shops, safety improvements like fewer entry points and eliminating student movement between buildings, upgraded common areas, and new parking lots with improved drop-off/pick-up lanes. The existing Junior High building, except for the gym, office, and locker rooms, will be demolished.

The process involved evaluating current facilities and structural issues, with the district having identified the need to address the Junior High about 13 years ago. Architects and engineers assessed remodeling versus new construction, and the district consulted with educators, staff, community members, and stakeholders. Long-term goals, including the district’s 100-year facilities plan, along with cost estimates and potential impacts, were reviewed.

Remodeling the current Junior High was deemed insufficient due to significant structural issues that hinder long-term use and wouldn't be resolved by remodeling. The current facility cannot meet the district’s long-term goals and 100-year facilities plan; thus, a new building offers a more cost-effective, future-proof solution that addresses current inadequacies.

The new facilities will provide an improved learning environment supporting modern educational practices. Larger, better-equipped classrooms and specialized spaces, especially for industrial and agricultural arts, will enhance instruction and hands-on learning. Classrooms with solid walls will reduce distractions fostering overall student improvement.

New safety features include reducing entry points and eliminating student movement between buildings during the school day. A single main entry point will be secured by a timed locking system, and internal automatic security doors will restrict access to classroom areas during a lockdown.

The new Junior High is designed larger to accommodate current and future enrollment growth, provide adequate space for modern educational programs, and address issues like inadequate classroom size and common areas. It will also enhance career and technical education with more space and improve safety.

Yes, the project is designed for current and future enrollment needs. Student enrollment has been stable (1,371 in Sept. 2020 to 1,386 in Sept. 2023). The community anticipates growth due to commercial expansion (Business Park Phase 2) and new home construction (about 15 new homes by year's end, with more planned), suggesting a potential rise in student numbers.

If the bond passes, construction is expected to begin in early 2026, after several months of required design work. Once construction begins, it is expected to take 19 months to complete.

The district plans careful coordination and scheduling, including relocating industrial arts courses to the McCook Learning Center with bus transportation provided. Construction phases will be organized to limit interference with daily school activities, and clear communication will be maintained.

No, there is no plan to shut down Weiland Field, the current football stadium. The district has recently invested in improvements to the stadium, demonstrating a commitment to its continued use.

The district will maintain transparency by regularly communicating with stakeholders, providing updates, and sharing detailed plans. It will work with reputable construction firms known for on-budget project completion and make regular reviews and adjustments to meet community expectations.