By JAMES BELL
Hays Post
Among the usual business discussed at the Hays USD 489 Board of Education meeting Monday night, one topic stood out – the upcoming bond issue that is currently slated for vote next year – with a new proposal to close Lincoln Elementary, 1906 Ash. Should the proposal be approved, administration offices and Westside School, currently housed at the Rockwell Administration Center, 323 W. 12th, would move into the former elementary school.
The bond measure presentation heard by the board, presented by HTK Architects, has a $93 million price tag, down from initial projections of $100 million. The latest proposal would bring the number of elementary schools in Hays to three, down from five just a few years ago.
But the board seemed less than convinced that turning the school into an administrative center would be the best course of action.
“It’s concerning,” said board member Sarah Rankin.
From a facilities stand point, however, it may make the most sense logistically, a consultant told the board.
“Our priorities should be classrooms,” said Zach Snethen, HTK project manager.
He said the goal is to maximize the buildings already in place, in order to curb new construction.
“Of these existing schools, Lincoln was the best candidate for that,” he said.
One of the main reasons for the new proposal is the site space at Lincoln is constricted, making necessary expansions at the space difficult and the space required for the administration would fit into the current building, with only minimal construction being needed.
The previous plan at Lincoln would have moved the cafeteria, along with a new gymnasium and storm shelter.
In speaking on the change of plan, Snethen said, “We had some difficulties with Lincoln,” to bring the building on par with other facilities through the district.
“It’s still a good building,” he said. “There is always cost efficiencies when you have good physical structures.”
If the proposal is accepted, the classroom space would be absorbed into the expansion at Roosevelt, and the Rockwell Center would be left vacant.
While the current layout remains tentative, the general cost of the facilities upgrades seems set into the $90 million to $100 million range, with many aspects of the plan being tied together, if all facilities are considered.
The numbers have “been vetted twice over now,” said Charles Smith, HTK partner.
The board must now consider how to proceed, with Snethen recommending the members discuss exactly what should be considered before plans are moved to the next stage.
Those plans will be discussed at the next BOE work session with HTK members in attendance.