By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
The USD 489 school board discussed the possibility of applying for federal grants to renovate facilities during its meeting on Monday.
Superintendent John Thissen discussed facilities needs with the board. If the school district moved the Early Childhood programs into an existing building in the community or an existing elementary in the school district, it might be able to apply for federal funds to make renovations.
“The exciting thing about this is that you can’t buy a new building and receive federal funds for it, but you can buy used and renovate and use federal funds. That is another reason why this may make sense,” Thissen said. “Washington and Munjor are federal programs that we could perhaps get some money for that we are not normally able of getting.”
The district received about $150,000 in federal grant money when ECC moved into the former Washington Elementary School on Main Street.
New construction runs about $200 to $300 per square foot, but if a suitable building could be found, renovation could cost $100 square foot, Thissen said.
In three to four years the state has said it wants to expands its preschool programs to all day. The Washington building is full, so additional room would be needed to meet the demand. Washington also has accessibility issues, no storm shelter and sewer issues. In addition, the district would like to vacate the Munjor building, which has roof issues and no storm shelter.
Washington is more than 90 years old, and Thissen questioned the advisability of investing significant amounts to remodel a building that old.
Another version of this option is also moving Rockwell’s offices into a renovated building. Vacating Rockwell, however, would leave the district without an auditorium. The heating for the auditorium is controlled by the boiler for the rest of the building. Thissen also said the value of the Rockwell property is in the land, and he doubted a buyer would want the property with the auditorium left on it.
This still leaves the issue of the elementary schools, which Thissen said he thought could be addressed with a bond. He said the district could consider building a five-section elementary school that would consolidate O’Loughlin and Lincoln elementaries.
Thissen said preliminary numbers indicated this could be achieved with about a $40 million bond, which would be at a cost in the range for $10 to $12 per month for a $150,000 home. He said he thought this might be accomplished with a 15-year bond.
If O’Loughlin was vacated, it could be renovated for the Learning Center, Rockwell and maintenance.
Consolidating Munjor, Washington and Lincoln into a new building would be another option, but that project would not qualify for federal funds.
Board member Greg Schwartz said he would like to see a further explanation building by building of the facility needs.
Board member Paul Adams said he would like to have a special board meeting just to talk about the facility needs and a possible future bond.