MONROE - Based on the Monroe school district's current facilities study, there are some maintenance projects initially targeted in the 2016 referendum, and approved by voters, which will soon change.
That was the message from Monroe Business Administrator Ron Olson to the Monroe Finance Committee Monday. Voters in Monroe approved a three-year referendum in November 2016 to increase the school district's budget by $1.5 million per year for operating costs, as well as a $460,000 increase for each of those years for maintenance and safety projects. One of those projects, repaving the Parkside Elementary School driveway, will be put on hold to possibly be incorporated into a facilities study project later.
"We will have to find other projects to add to use the rest of the referendum dollars," Olson said. "You don't want to do anything else that may be done in the future and spend dollars on something that may be changed in a couple of years. The reality is the referendum is for security, safety and maintenance."
Under a proposed plan by CG Schmidt and Plunkett Raysich Architects LLP, both of Madison, a 50-stall parking lot would be installed on the west side of the building. A drop-off area would be included in the lot. At the front where an overhang and one-vehicle roadway meet the sidewalk to the entrance, parking stalls would be placed at the building and the drive-thru area would be moved farther north, closer to the incline that meets 4th Street.
Olson said district leaders are looking to add other safety and maintenance projects that need to be completed this summer and during the 2018-19 school year.
Two projects that will be completed this summer are the restoration of the clock tower and the replacement of a portion of the roof at Monroe Middle School.
Olson said the district is still planning on repaving the playground at the middle school.
He informed the committee of other projects district leaders are considering to fund with referendum dollars in MMS, including the installation of new lockers on the second floor, replacing a portion of old electric panels and caulking windows, doors and ceilings. Plans will include adding a new gym divider at Monroe High School and replacing the stage floor of the Performing Arts Center. They also plan to buy a new tractor for snow blowing and replacing carpet at Parkside.
That was the message from Monroe Business Administrator Ron Olson to the Monroe Finance Committee Monday. Voters in Monroe approved a three-year referendum in November 2016 to increase the school district's budget by $1.5 million per year for operating costs, as well as a $460,000 increase for each of those years for maintenance and safety projects. One of those projects, repaving the Parkside Elementary School driveway, will be put on hold to possibly be incorporated into a facilities study project later.
"We will have to find other projects to add to use the rest of the referendum dollars," Olson said. "You don't want to do anything else that may be done in the future and spend dollars on something that may be changed in a couple of years. The reality is the referendum is for security, safety and maintenance."
Under a proposed plan by CG Schmidt and Plunkett Raysich Architects LLP, both of Madison, a 50-stall parking lot would be installed on the west side of the building. A drop-off area would be included in the lot. At the front where an overhang and one-vehicle roadway meet the sidewalk to the entrance, parking stalls would be placed at the building and the drive-thru area would be moved farther north, closer to the incline that meets 4th Street.
Olson said district leaders are looking to add other safety and maintenance projects that need to be completed this summer and during the 2018-19 school year.
Two projects that will be completed this summer are the restoration of the clock tower and the replacement of a portion of the roof at Monroe Middle School.
Olson said the district is still planning on repaving the playground at the middle school.
He informed the committee of other projects district leaders are considering to fund with referendum dollars in MMS, including the installation of new lockers on the second floor, replacing a portion of old electric panels and caulking windows, doors and ceilings. Plans will include adding a new gym divider at Monroe High School and replacing the stage floor of the Performing Arts Center. They also plan to buy a new tractor for snow blowing and replacing carpet at Parkside.