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Public asked to choose bond option during final forum
The second and final community forum related to a potential USD 234 school bond issue was held Thursday evening at Fort Scott High School. School officials as well as members of the public listened as Hollis and Miller Architect representatives Keegan Jackson and Michelle Chavey apprised the audience of dollar figures related to various school bond options.
"We narrowed 13 projects into eight different bond options," Jackson told The Tribune Thursday night. "We're bundling those 13 projects in different ways to kind of vet out what's important to people."
Last month, a community forum was held at Fort Scott High School to receive public input about a potential school bond issue. During the forum, members of the public were asked to list and prioritize school district needs.
On Thursday, Jackson emphasized that 51-percent in state aid would be applied to the potential school bond issue. Jackson said that was a sizable figure compared to some of the other school districts his firm has worked with.
"The 51-percent state aid is key. It's pretty unique," Jackson said.
After the presentation, eight separate displays with school bond figures were setup in the hallway outside of the theatre. Those in attendance were allowed to choose their top three choices by placing a single green dot on the options they liked best. They were not allowed to select the same option multiple times.
"All the options have a baseline foundation," Jackson said. "And the baseline is all the immediate needs as it relates to maintenance (mechanical and structural). Basically, what we're trying to suggest there is that, those needs at the baseline are just things you absolutely should do as a district. And then it's kind of -- what are the priorities beyond that?"
A breakdown of what was included in each option is as follows:
* Option 1, maintenance, mechanical, structural, technology and new bus building -- for a total projected cost of roughly $15.8. With 51 percent state aid factored in, the total cost to taxpayers is around $7.7 million.
* Option 2, maintenance, mechanical, structural, technology, fine arts, and athletics -- for a total cost of approximately $18.8 million. The cost to taxpayers would be $9.2 million.
* Option 3, maintenance, mechanical, structural, public spaces, and educational spaces -- for a total cost of roughly $18.9 million, with a taxpayer cost of $9.3 million.
* Option 4, maintenance, mechanical, structural, technology, and safety and security -- for a total cost of approximately $24.8 million, and a taxpayer cost of $12.1 million.
* Option 5, maintenance, mechanical, structural, technology, safety and security, and public spaces for an estimated cost of $29.6 million, and a cost of $14.5 million to taxpayers.
* Option 6, maintenance, mechanical, structural, technology, and fine arts for an estimated cost of $33.5 million, and a cost of $16.4 million to taxpayers.
* Option 7, brand new high school -- for a projected total cost of $39.4 million and a $19 million cost to taxpayers.
* Option 8, maintenance, mechanical, structural, technology, safety and security, educational spaces, fine arts, and athletics -- for an estimated total cost of $32.4 million with taxpayers shouldering $15.9 million of that.
At the conclusion of the forum, it appeared options 4, 5, 6 and 8 received the most votes.
"There's three other groups (that have voted with the green dots)," Jackson said. "On Monday, when we go to the steering committee, we're going to take these results and the results of the other groups we've met with, and say, 'Okay, here's how everybody kind of laid it out. And now based on that, do you want to move forward and recommend to the board two or three options out of the eight based on the samplings?'"
During April's regular board meeting, Jackson and Ed Carlson gave the board a "snapshot" and detailed a "game plan" of where the firm currently is with bond planning and scoping for the district. The board, during a special meeting on March 10, unanimously approved the architectural firm located in Overland Park for community engagement and bond planning discussions.
Previously, USD 234 Superintendent Diane Gross has said the completion of a district-wide facilities assessment report highlighted needs in specific areas for the district. Some are urgent, according to Gross. The estimated cost to fix all civil and mechanical issues is between $5.5 and $6 million. Adding to the overall price tag, district technology needs are estimated at around $2 million.
"Once they've been able to compile all of the information (from the green dot voting), at the next board meeting in June, they're going to share with the board the top projects that have been bundled together," Gross said. "And then take the board through some discussion about what would be the best scenario moving forward. Do they want to a pursue a new bond issue? Is there going to be more conversation about a city-wide sales tax or county-wide sales tax? And how much money, if there is a bond issue, would they want to pursue for the projects that have been outlined?"
Gross said Wednesday she thinks Hollis and Miller has done a good job with the bond planning and scoping discussions since being hired by the district.
"I think they've done an outstanding job of compiling all the information, sharing it so we can then in turn share it with the staff and the community here," she said. "I think the timing could have been better. I wish we had made arrangements to have Hollis and Miller start sooner, so we weren't rushing to wrap things up for the school year, and people getting ready for vacations and other activities. So it seems like there's just kind of a flurry of activity around all of this. And then trying to devote some time and energy to these discussions. Because it is an important decision and nobody wants to take that lightly. And I think ultimately, everybody wants what's going to be best in terms of the school district and educating the students here. But also in terms of what it means for the community."
Gross said she thinks the bond issue is headed in the right direction.
"I know there is always one more question that could be answered, but I think enough information is being shared that people can make informed decisions," she said. "Plenty of opportunities for people to voice their concerns or suggestions and ideas. I think they've done a good job of facilitating that discussion. And I think the board then will have enough information to make their decision. And that's really what the board wants to do. They want to represent the community and do what's best for kids."
Gross recently accepted the position of superintended for the Clearwater USD 264 school district.
"I know I'll be around for the next board meeting," she said. "I'll be back and forth between (Clearwater and Fort Scott). And there are some reports I want to make sure I finish up and be able to be of assistance to Mr. (Bob) Beckham, as he transitions into that position. So, (I'm) trying to work for the best of the school district."