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SCOPE OF THE PROJECT
The old high school gymnasium known as Rose Hall will be remodeled into a new media center and auditorium. The stage area that is currently used as art classrooms will be reclaimed for the auditorium. The art classrooms will be moved into the space where the old media center is currently located. A special education room will be relocated to make room for a computer lab adjacent to the new media center.
RATIONALE FOR THE PROJECT
The purpose of this remodeling project is to increase the educational potential of our high school and the school district. The media center is currently located in the back of the facility in an area not conducive to research and study. Auditorium space does not exist anywhere in the school district. Existing art classrooms are not meeting the educational needs of our students. The special education area for students with severe and profound disabilities is in need of a serious upgrade.
COST OF THE PROJECT
The cost of the Project is currently estimated to be $1.9 million. Remodeling Rose Hall and the existing library building costs approximately $1.8 million. Replacing the roof over Rose Hall and removing floor tile that contain asbestos costs an estimated $100,000.
How will we pay for this project?
The project is funded through the combination of a loan, fund balance, and fundraising. The District can borrow $675,000 from the state at a low interest rate while the remainder of the revenue needed for the project can be taken from the District’s fund balance. Some elements of the Project, such as seats in the auditorium, can be paid for through a fundraising campaign.
How were we able to build up our fund balance?
The District’s fund balance has accumulated over time through good fiscal policy and sound budget practices. Our conservative approach to budgeting and watching how we spend our funds combined with mild winters and energy-saving maintenance projects have resulted in favorable budget balances. In addition, we recently refinanced the District’s debt to take advantage of lower interest rates and to reduce our debt service payments.
If money is available for facility improvements, why did we need a referendum for textbooks and technology?
Textbooks and technology are ongoing programs that need funding every year. Prior to the referendum, the purchase of new textbooks, replacement of computers, and the acquisition of other technology were behind schedule because there was not enough funding in the operating budget. Remodeling Rose Hall is a one-time project that is funded within our operating budget.
Why are we funding the Project in this manner?
We were informed through an advisory referendum held in 2004 that maintenance and remodeling projects should be funded from our operating budget rather than through a referendum. Repayment of the state loan will come from our operating budget. Spending funds from our fund balance uses funds that were part of our operating budget.
Why do we need a new media center?
The media center should be the hub of academic activity in a school and should be centrally located. A 21st century media center is an essential aspect of the education of all students.
Why do we need an auditorium?
Currently the school district does not have quality space for large-group fine arts productions, academic presentations, staff development, and community activities. With such a space, educational programming for students is greatly enhanced. As in the case of the media center, an auditorium impacts all students. An auditorium may also bring outside organizations to our community.
What about the loss of gym space?
Rose Hall is often unavailable during the school year because of fine arts productions and other school activities. With centralized scheduling, the remaining five gymnasiums in the district provide adequate space for athletic events and practices.
How is the visual arts program improved?
Our art students gain a less congested space, with more natural light, a more productive learning environment, and unified storage of materials. Additional display cases in the project area increase our ability to showcase student work.
How is the special education program improved?
The upgrade to the special education area increases opportunities for students to practice daily-living and work-related skills. This newly designed space provides wheelchair access that is currently not available.
Why not wait for a new high school?
Today’s students are as important as tomorrow’s. If a new high school is in Kewaskum’s future, it is in the distant future. During the next ten years, over 1600 students will graduate from Kewaskum High School. They deserve the best learning environment that we can provide today.
Does this mean that a new high school will not be built?
Enrollment in Kewaskum School District will determine whether a new high school is built in the future. If the present high school eventually becomes a middle school, the improvements from this remodeling project are within the scope of a quality middle school.
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