School board members for USD 257 expect to learn big news about some of its new school projects on Thursday.
That’s when they’ll meet with the project’s construction manager and architects to discuss bids and costs for the HVAC project at Iola Middle School, and finalize their “wish list” items for the elementary school.
Depending on how much the district can save on its HVAC and other projects that have already been approved, they will know what additional projects they can afford at the elementary school
So far, costs have come in as expected or under budget for the projects. School board members are optimistic their good luck will hold.
“We’re going to get all of our needs met and be within budget,” board president Dan Willis said. “That’s pretty important for our community.”
Among the items at the top of the list include sidewalks, upper cabinets in classrooms to provide additional storage, and a memorial garden and outdoor teaching space.
“I consider that more of a need,” Willis said.
Another need will be to finish the gymnasium, potentially with a multipurpose room that could be used for a variety of needs including SAFE BASE, the district’s after-school program. But the gymnasium itself will need equipment, such as bleachers and basketball goals. If the district can’t include that as part of the bond project, they’ll have to use money from the capital outlay fund.
The district also may need to foot part of the bill when it comes to extending the Missouri-Pacific railroad line as a walking trail to the school. The city offered to help improve the trail, but it’s likely funding will run out before the trail gets all the way to the new school.
Parking will be a big topic of discussion, too. It will be important to provide as much parking as possible, especially since there are limited options in the neighborhood surrounding the new school for overflow parking.
Administrators estimated the school’s attendance to be about 100 students per grade level, with six grades (preschool through fifth). Teachers and other faculty will need parking, as well.
Currently, plans call for about 300 parking stalls.
That may be enough for a regular school day, but could get crowded for special events. The administrators like to provide opportunities to bring family members into the schools. Events like “Doughnuts with Dad” or Thanksgiving dinner could become crowded for parking.
Also, the gym will be offered for sports events, such as an alternate site for high school basketball games.
THE BOARD decided it makes more sense to wait until the fall of 2022 to open the new school.
