EBISD School Bond and Master Plan Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the current high school capacity and what will the new high school accommodate?
- EBHS currently has 309 students. All classrooms are being utilized. In fact, we have one Ag teacher that does not have a classroom and uses the Ag Shop area for projects and class instruction. The current high school has 24 classrooms. The new high school will have 31.
- What is the capacity of our current stadium versus the new stadium?
- The current stadium holds 2,100 on the home side and 700 on the visitor. The new stadium will hold 2,500 on the home side and 1,000 on the visitor side. Besides increased seating, the new stadium will offer handicap accessible bathrooms, seating, and concession stands. There will be a safer playing surface for the players and the cheerleaders will be positioned on the track which improves their safety as well. There will be more parking available in parking lots and no parking signs will be posted along some designated neighboring streets.
- Will any existing city streets be permanently closed with the new plan?
- For the safety of our students and faculty, EBISD will propose to the City the closing of Fitzgerald street between Urbanec and Leveridge (small stretch of street in front of HS Science Lab and Naiser Building).
- Why did the EBISD School board choose to make all these improvements at one time?
- The board looked at current interest rates and cost of construction and realized how those will both continue to climb. In addition to that, various capital improvements were prioritized by Staff and the Community Task Force. Following the recommendation of the Task Force, the Board agreed that those should be addressed immediately as well.
- Will EBISD hire a general contractor or a construction manager?
- This will be determined by the Board of Trustees. However, to resolve communication issues made during the 2002 EBISD School Bond, an at-risk Construction Manager may be the best route.
- What is the story on taxes for citizens 65 years of age and older?
- If you are 65 or older and have applied for a qualified homestead exemption, the dollar amount you pay for School taxes is frozen. Unless you add square footage to your house your school property taxes will not change.
- If the bond is passed, when will construction start and how long will it take?
- Design will take approximately 6 months. We would expect construction to begin in early 2015. The first stage of construction would include all of the high school facilities. The new stadium would be targeted to open for the 2015 football season. Once the high school complex is completed the conversion of the Naiser building would begin. Upon completion, the junior high will move into this facility. Then the existing junior high would be converted to the new elementary school. All work is being done in phases so as not to disrupt instruction or cause us to need additional facilities to temporarily house our students and faculty. All projects are expected to be completed by August 2017.
- How will the operating cost of EBISD change?
- Utility consumption of the 1939 structure is twice the cost of new energy efficient buildings. Accordingly, we expect to see a sharp drop in utility costs. Further, the District expects a drop in our maintenance/repair/replacement costs once our older equipment and systems are replaced with new.
- Did the board get a second opinion on the estimated project costs?
- Yes. The facility planner’s numbers were verified by the architecture firm hired by the District.
- How is the current M&O budget affected by our older facilities?
- Maintenance and Capital outlay are two major components of our M&O budget as they relate to our older facilities. We currently spend almost twice the State average just on utility costs for our older structures. Further, ongoing repair and replacement of building components is typical in older buildings as we continue to experience.
- I heard that the cost to renovate is $2.9 million. What all does that include?
The $2.9 million that was discussed is not accurate. Staff and the Community Task Force reviewed and prioritized a long list of improvements to all facilities. The total cost for improvements to the high school was estimated to be $2.8M. These improvements generally update equipment/systems and finishes. The improvements also addressed code related upgrades and accessibility. However, the improvements did not increase the size of the current classrooms that do not meet the state standards. The improvements did not include a new band hall, performing arts center, improvements to the stadium or concessions/restrooms, parking, Career & Technology Education, or additional capacity for instruction or extra-curricular programs. Improvements to the elementary and junior high school campuses totaled $2.5M. Much like the high school, the improvements addressed equipment/systems and finishes along with code compliance and accessibility. However, the improvements did not address additional capacity for instruction or extra-curricular programs.
