Town hall planned on school bond issue

RANDOLPH – The public will be able to hear more about proposed school improvements that will most likely be put forth in a bond issue.

The public will be invited to listen, ask questions and voice opinions at a town hall meeting set for 7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 1. There may be opportunities to tour the elementary and ag buildings prior to the town hall meeting. More details will be forthcoming, said Superintendent Daryl Schrunk.

About 25 people attended the latest steering committee meeting last week including school board members, construction partners and members of the public.

That group broke into three smaller groups to evaluate the pros and cons of the school facilities improvement plan; discuss what needs should be added or removed; consider the bond amount the majority of the public would support; and contemplate other financing options other than a bond issue.

“The sharing out at the end of the group work led me to believe that we have a project that we can put forth to the public. Some of the fine details will be evaluated more closely in the final plans but I am encouraged by the process that has led us to this point,” Schrunk said.

The steering committee has been working on a facilities improvement plan for months and a new ag building has been an ongoing need for years and one the board has been intentionally setting money aside to fund. However, legislation changes put limits on the amount boards can set aside in a special building fund.

Updated construction costs are now estimated at $5.2 million for the proposed 13,000 square foot Vocational Ag and Art building.

The steering committee also previously narrowed a 40-plus item master list down to 15 areas of high priority at both the elementary and high school buildings.

Indicated priorities at the elementary school were estimated at $6.2 million. Those priority improvements include: replace HVAC system, add fire sprinklers to the building, add three restrooms or update existing restrooms; replace windows; replace lighting; reconfigure entrance for security; add kitchen; and add electrical outlets to classrooms.

Indicated priorities at the high school were estimated at $1.3 million. Those priority improvements include: repair or replace decking, insulation and roofing as needed; investigate and mitigate mold due to roof leak; add fire sprinklers; add air conditioning and fans to main gym; and replace lighting.

The board is considering putting a bond issue before voters in November’s general election.

Using the most recent district valuation data, a $9 million bond issue, for example, over 20 years at a rate of 4.4 percent would result in a levy impact of 11 cents, or $110 per year increase on property valued at $100,000; $4.57 cents per year increase for each irrigated acre or $731 increase per year on an irrigated quarter.

Randolph Public Schools’ tax levy is the lowest among public schools in the area. In some instances, area schools’ levies are more than double that of Randolph’s. Even with a sizable bond issue, Randolph Public Schools levy would remain well below area schools.

A section of the school’s website labeled Facility Plans has been dedicated to sharing documents and information with the public. There’s also a link for patrons to provide feedback.

The next steering committee meeting is set for 7 p.m., Monday, July 22.