Over recent years we have accumulated quite a list of potential facility upgrades or capital projects that would certainly benefit students and our community. However, as usual there is not enough funding available to support every single project all at once. Therefore we must continue to project facility needs and associated potential costs and budget accordingly. School board policies and the Iowa code dictate the various processes that are required according to the size of each project.
Funds for capital projects are typically generated through the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) or through the Secure and Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE) sales tax. These funds are limited to use for facilities and equipment. Heating and cooling systems, roofs, windows, concrete repair and other general facility maintenance projects are also paid for with PPEL and SAVE funds.
PPEL and SAVE dollars may not be used for salaries, benefits or other general fund expenditures. Therefore, it is possible for a district to find itself in a position where staff positions are being reduced due to general fund demands while upgrading a school facility with PPEL or SAVE dollars at the same time. That can really frustrate people, but school resources from each fund can only be utilized for specific, strictly governed purposes. School funds aren’t all dumped into the same universal “kitty” like our personal checking accounts at home.
One current capital project here is our district’s safety and security plan. This includes the purchases and installations of a new phone system, an electronic entry and security system for all exterior doors and an advanced surveillance camera system in the interiors and exteriors of each school building.
Our current phone system is nearly 30 years old and is showing its age. Clearly dependable communication between and among our schools, the community and local public service agencies including emergency services and law enforcement is key.
“Buzz-in doors” for main entries, electronic fob entries for staff and sensors on all exterior doors will definitely tighten security in our schools. Several doors will simply be “capped” so keys will no longer work. These capped doors will still be used for exits, just not entries. The fob doors will be connected to a computer that marks when each door has been opened and by which staff member’s fob.
Surveillance cameras will be installed in strategic positions inside and outside of our schools. The technology has advanced tremendously, so the clarity and range of today’s cameras is truly amazing. These will serve as deterrents for poor behaviors and will assist us in determining what happened after certain incidents have occurred.
The old adage is, “security equals inconvenience,” but we believe safety and security at school for all involved is extremely important today. We also want to continue to promote friendly school environments.
Technology
Over the past two years we have made giant steps related to technology and its applications to student learning. Much of this development has been supported by PPEL and SAVE funds. All of our students from eighth-grade through 12th-grade now have school-provided Chromebook laptop computers for their use. These were checked in during the summer and only one of more than 500 was not returned. The student self-reported this and has taken full responsibility for replacing the machine. This says a lot about our students and their respect for this access to technology.
Of course, our initial two redesigned, high-tech collaborative classrooms have now grown to six with the most recent pair nearly complete.
Also, with the help of Green Hills AEA and our staff, students have partnered with Chad Rieck and the staff at KSIB Radio to live-stream school activities. This coverage makes it possible for folks to watch our activities from any location around the world that has internet access. We plan to expand into other athletic contests, arts productions and into our academic classrooms. Students are learning every step of the way as these broadcasts are planned and produced. Problem-solving, writing, editing, communication skills and technical skills are all a part of this initiative. This applied learning will stick with our students and will inspire them to reach out for extended learning. Many other project-based lessons are being learned with technology serving as a vehicle for student engagement and new learning.
Potential projects
Other possible projects that continue to be considered and discussed include a solution for safer pick-up and drop-offs at the Early Childhood Center (ECC), playground updates at the ECC and the elementary middle school which will hopefully include adaptive play areas for youngsters that have unique physical abilities or challenges, expanded parking at the elementary middle school, a bleacher upgrade on both the visitor and home sides of the stadium, upgraded concession areas, repaired and upgraded fencing, upgrades to the auditorium including curtains, sound system controls and lighting repairs and improvements, and a FieldTurf surface on Panther Field. The list is never-ending.
The FieldTurf surface offers improved safety for students, increased student access in wet weather conditions and significant efficiencies when compared to current practices in grounds keeping, fertilizing, mowing, watering, aerating and weed control. The field could then be more extensively used by physical education classes, our outstanding marching band, soccer, track and field, football and various local youth programs, as well as Southwestern Community College. The new turf could allow such events as an annual marching band contest or clinic such as Valley Fest. This would bring a large number of guests to town over a weekend and could potentially provide a nice yearly boost to our local economy. Teams and the band could also practice on this surface in wet conditions that currently limit their outdoor practices and rehearsals. Recent concussion findings have indicated that youngsters suffer from a lower rate of concussions when their heads hit the new turf surfaces as compared to hitting the hard ground.
Many projects are continually being carefully considered and prioritized. Again, just like at home, we can’t do everything we would like and certainly not all at the same time. Careful budgeting continues and that includes careful considerations of student learning, safety, funding and timing. We will continue to do our best to keep our community informed about various projects being considered and accompanying decisions. Community input will be gathered and carefully considered especially in regards to the larger possible projects mentioned above. We will do our best to make decisions that best serve our local students and reflect the wishes of our community. We’re all in this together.