By JAMES BELL
Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 Board of Education will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday in the Toepfer Board Room in the Rockwell Administration Building, 323 W. 12th, with several new topics to be discussed, including 20-day enrollment counts. But likely the biggest topic of discussion will be continued planning for an upcoming bond issue with HTK Architects, who will have representatives at the meeting.

“Zach Snethen and Elizabeth Johnson from HTK Architects and Dustin Avey from Piper Jaffray will present an update to the board on the cost of repairs, renovations and additions to district buildings,” according to tonight’s agenda.

One of the most significant changes expected to be discussed tonight is the potential conversion of Lincoln Elementary into the new administration building, which would include Westside and the Learning Center. That conversion is estimated to cost $4.6 million.

If that were to occur, Hays would be left with three elementary schools – O’Loughlin, Roosevelt and Wilson. Washington Elementary School was closed at the end of last school year.

After changes in district facilities have occurred since initial planning, the current amount to be sought by the bond measure is slightly over $93 million. That amount would cover maintenance and upgrades at each of the districts buildings, including gymnasiums at Hays High, Hays Middle School and Roosevelt Elementary.

While there are many moving parts to the bond issue, a proposed elections for the bond measure is tentatively scheduled for March and would address millions of dollars in deferred maintenance throughout the district.

Click HERE for the full agenda, including the latest facilities needs proposals.