School officials answer public’s questions about facilities project

Editor’s note: This is the second of a two-part story. Part one, published Thursday, included information about the district’s educational and facilities proposal, how it hopes to fund it and what it means for taxpayers within its district. Part two reflects questions and comments from member of the public who attended Wednesday’s informational meeting and public forum.

As the Creston Community School District nears March 1, when votes will be cast to either approve or deny securing a $24.9 million bond and borrowing against future SAVE revenue, the district’s administration is seeking to answer or clarify any questions or concerns it may have.

During a public forum Wednesday, former Creston High School physics and chemistry teacher Jim McCracken asked if the $250,000 identified as duplication of services from administering two buildings was per year. Superintendent Deron Stender clarified the figure is per year, and said in times of staffing challenges, housing more services under one roof makes sharing staff more efficient and cost effective in terms of transportation, food services, custodial work and staff coverage.

“It helps people cover each other when an administrator is out,” Stender said. “And it allows staff to support staff.”

Julie Lanning asked how will traffic be controlled at the elementary/middle school building with the addition of the Early Childhood Center.

Eric Beron of DLR said traffic and safety improvements will be done. He said the current drop-off/pick-up area at the ECC is not conducive to safety with the congestion of cars, buses and foot traffic, and some work needs to be done with civil engineers and a traffic study to identify what the new flow of traffic will look.

She also. inquired about tennis courts and the district’s relationship with SWCC.

Beron said in the plan includes four tennis courts, but the design is future-minded, allowing for more to be added should the program grow. The addition of four courts are dependent upon funding.

“Our relationship with SWCC is outstanding right now,” said Activities Director Scott Driskell. “I would hope to keep that relationship very strong, but as that campus grows and changes over the years they may have a need for that space and do something else, but we really haven’t had those discussions. But they’ve been an excellent partner … .”

Lanning also asked if borrowing against future SAVE revenue is sustainable and if it would ever put the district at risk in being in default should the revenue source not be available.

Stender first explained that SAVE revenue comes from a 1% sales tax collected by the state on all purchases.

“Every district in the state of Iowa gets money from this,” said Stender. “The legislature has pretty much secured that so that doesn’t go away. That’s a law.”

Stender said the district knows how much it will be allocated based on projected student enrollment.

“The sales tax or state pennies is based on revenue per student,” said Travis Squires, managing director with Piper Sandler.

The district receives approximately $1,100 per student, which Squires said is roughly $1.5 million. Debt payments are fixed at $950,000 annually and per pupil funding typically increases between 1.5 and 2% each year. Squires said $500,000 of PPEL funding is also being used.

Physical Plant and Equipment Levy. P.P.E.L. provides the necessary funds to maintain the school buildings, complete site improvements and purchase school equipment. P.P.E.L. is an annual property tax levy,

“But we’re set up, where, if we looked at allocation of revenue, some districts will borrow up to 78% of their revenue, and you’re sitting at about 65,” he said.

There is risk, but it’s a bond holder’s issue, he said.

Erin Riley asked if there’s a risk of running out of funds due to rising construction costs. Beron said inflation has been built in to the project budget.

Rhonda Giles asked what is going to happen to the ECC and its playground.

Stender said the goal is to sell it to someone who has a good purpose for it. But in order to avoid it becoming a nuisance property, it would be deconstructed, which is included in the budget. He said the playground is designed to be moved. Another option would be if the city would be interested in maintaining it as a park.

It was also asked if groups currently using the Burton R. Jones gym would still have a space to use. Driskell said there is plenty of space for all activities and agreements would continue.

Raquel Linch asked what the fine arts renovation would include.

Beron said when it comes to band and vocal space, the school’s current space would still be used, but “enhanced.” One area of focus is a more flexible space to be used by different sized groups and a space that is more ADA accessible.

The district will host another public forum 7 p.m. Feb. 24. Other questions can be directed toward Stender at dstender@crestonschools.org.