NEW GLARUS - This spring, voters in the New Glarus school district will decide whether they want to pay $10 million for renovation and additions for two schools; and add an additional $85,000 in operational costs on an annual basis.
On Feb. 14, school board members approved the resolutions for two referendum questions that will be on the April 5 ballot.
Planning for the districts building and maintenance needs has been a constant agenda item during the last 10 years. A referendum in 2007 that requested $20 million for renovation and building failed. But work by board members during the last two years has resulted in several scenarios that will solve the district's maintenance needs and provide adequate space for students through the next decade.
"Board members have learned and benefited from the work of previous board members," said Superintendent William Conzemius, who has been involved in seven referendums during his 40 years in education - some of which were successful and others failed. "For this referendum, the board members and members of the administration have a very detailed plan and something that will work for the entire community."
In March of 2010, the board hired Steve Kieckhafer of Plunkett-Raysich and Associates to assist in analyzing space and maintenance needs for the district. From that, six scenarios were developed to provide information for the future. In August, the board members with input from staff narrowed the choices to two.
The two scenarios were shared with the public and open forums were held on Oct. 4, Oct. 8, and Jan. 10. After analyzing public feedback, board members decided to investigate a more conservative option that, according to Conzemius, "significantly scaled back in both size and cost."
"It is not realistic to delay this," said Conzemius. "At this time, we have three very important elements in our favor, interest rates are at an all time low, construction rates are low, and by 2014 our debt payment schedule will dramatically decrease."
School officials plan to use the district's fund balance to bridge the budget to 2014, at which time the district can take advantage of the reduced payment schedule.
The plan proposed by the board members includes substantial building and maintenance improvements at the elementary school - including major heating, ventilation, air conditioning upgrades, electrical code requirement improvements, asbestos abatement, roof repair; and handicap accessibility upgrades. The plan also includes the addition of two classrooms on the east side of the building. The renovation and addition is at an approximate cost of $4.8 million.
At the middle/high School, the plan includes the addition of eight classrooms on the north end of the school. Three of the eight classrooms will be used for sixth-grade students, who will be moved from the elementary school. The remaining rooms will provide space for teachers. The plan also includes a gymnasium/ auditorium located on the school's south side. The additions are projected to cost of $5.2 million With the $10 million for building and renovation, the increase in property tax will be $0.53 per $100,000 of property value, or an approximate 5 percent increase above the current tax rate. For example, with a $200,000 home, a property owner will pay an additional $106 annually.
Additionally, with the $85,000 operating costs, the increase in property tax will be $0.22 per $100,000 of property value. For example, with a $200,000 home, a property owner will pay an additional $44 annually.The issue of consolidation also has been discussed. Conzemius provided analysis of the possibility of consolidation with the Belleville and Monticello School Districts.
"When it comes right down to the complexity of consolidation, there is simply not enough interest," said Conzemius, adding he is optimistic that the referendum will pass.
During the next few weeks, Conzemius and board members plan to meet with as many social and business groups as possible to discuss the renovation and building plans.
On Feb. 14, school board members approved the resolutions for two referendum questions that will be on the April 5 ballot.
Planning for the districts building and maintenance needs has been a constant agenda item during the last 10 years. A referendum in 2007 that requested $20 million for renovation and building failed. But work by board members during the last two years has resulted in several scenarios that will solve the district's maintenance needs and provide adequate space for students through the next decade.
"Board members have learned and benefited from the work of previous board members," said Superintendent William Conzemius, who has been involved in seven referendums during his 40 years in education - some of which were successful and others failed. "For this referendum, the board members and members of the administration have a very detailed plan and something that will work for the entire community."
In March of 2010, the board hired Steve Kieckhafer of Plunkett-Raysich and Associates to assist in analyzing space and maintenance needs for the district. From that, six scenarios were developed to provide information for the future. In August, the board members with input from staff narrowed the choices to two.
The two scenarios were shared with the public and open forums were held on Oct. 4, Oct. 8, and Jan. 10. After analyzing public feedback, board members decided to investigate a more conservative option that, according to Conzemius, "significantly scaled back in both size and cost."
"It is not realistic to delay this," said Conzemius. "At this time, we have three very important elements in our favor, interest rates are at an all time low, construction rates are low, and by 2014 our debt payment schedule will dramatically decrease."
School officials plan to use the district's fund balance to bridge the budget to 2014, at which time the district can take advantage of the reduced payment schedule.
The plan proposed by the board members includes substantial building and maintenance improvements at the elementary school - including major heating, ventilation, air conditioning upgrades, electrical code requirement improvements, asbestos abatement, roof repair; and handicap accessibility upgrades. The plan also includes the addition of two classrooms on the east side of the building. The renovation and addition is at an approximate cost of $4.8 million.
At the middle/high School, the plan includes the addition of eight classrooms on the north end of the school. Three of the eight classrooms will be used for sixth-grade students, who will be moved from the elementary school. The remaining rooms will provide space for teachers. The plan also includes a gymnasium/ auditorium located on the school's south side. The additions are projected to cost of $5.2 million With the $10 million for building and renovation, the increase in property tax will be $0.53 per $100,000 of property value, or an approximate 5 percent increase above the current tax rate. For example, with a $200,000 home, a property owner will pay an additional $106 annually.
Additionally, with the $85,000 operating costs, the increase in property tax will be $0.22 per $100,000 of property value. For example, with a $200,000 home, a property owner will pay an additional $44 annually.The issue of consolidation also has been discussed. Conzemius provided analysis of the possibility of consolidation with the Belleville and Monticello School Districts.
"When it comes right down to the complexity of consolidation, there is simply not enough interest," said Conzemius, adding he is optimistic that the referendum will pass.
During the next few weeks, Conzemius and board members plan to meet with as many social and business groups as possible to discuss the renovation and building plans.