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School board plans next steps

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Demolition of the 1903 building and relocation of classrooms and other spaces inside is a top priority now that the PPEL vote has passed. Other priorities include replacing a switchgear in the middle school and upgrading the elementary HVAC system. (Press photo by Molly Moser)

By Molly Moser

Following the Feb. 7 voter approval of a 67-cent increase on the physical plant and equipment levy, the Clayton Ridge School Board has begun to take action.

The board held a work session with BLDD Architects and Estes Construction on Wednesday, March 1, to review the scope of the work to be done, including which of the many maintenance concerns have become top priorities. Those that have risen to the top in recent weeks include replacing the switchgear at the middle school, updating plumbing and HVAC at the elementary, and demolishing the 1903 building. 

“All of these priorities will have a positive effect on the climate of the learning environment and will impact student learning in a positive manner,” said Superintendent Shane Wahls. “The district is very excited to get these projects started!”

During the work session, the group discussed the demolition of the 1903 building in greater detail, examining the magnitude of time and costs. Wahls explained that over the next six to eight weeks, architects will be touring the building and problem-solving to relocate the spaces that are currently being utilized (two academic classrooms, technology server room, weight room, and two locker rooms) and to design any structure that would potentially replace the 1903 building. Timing of the priority projects will also be determined during this process.

“The district is extremely thankful for the support from the community,” said Wahls.

He and the board are already looking ahead to 2018. Based on declining enrollment and the state funding formula, along with re-assessment of property, the district plans to propose a $10.94 tax levy rate for fiscal year 2018. This is a regular, annual process voted on by the school board. 

While the PPEL vote raised the tax rate, the school will be scaling back the levy rate in the management fund and the general fund – dollars from which cannot be used for school facility improvements. 

“This should be wonderful news for our community as this is only an increase of a penny based on the FY17 tax rate of $10.93. So even with the $.67 increase, there is still only a $.01 increase to the total tax rate,” Wahls told The Press. 

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