We have some very good news to share about our ongoing capital project!
During the original planning stages of this project, a new playground was something we very much wanted to include. At the time, however, we were preparing to renovate an older building, and we knew there could be unforeseen conditions and costs once construction began. Out of an abundance of caution, the playground was ultimately not included in the final project budget.
Since then, our community has continued to advocate for a playground, and we know how important this improvement would be for our students, families, and school community.
The good news is that through careful planning, competitive bidding, and responsible management, our capital project is coming in significantly under the amount originally authorized by voters. Because of that, we are now exploring whether we may be able to bring the playground back into the project.
Our original capital project authorization was written broadly, and we are now working through the required legal and approval steps to determine whether we can move forward.
It is also important for our community to understand the financial side of this.
When voters authorize funding for a capital project, those funds are designated for capital improvements. If the project is completed for less than anticipated, the remaining funds cannot simply be moved into our regular school budget or saved indefinitely for another future need.
So, when there is a significant and longstanding capital need that can legally and responsibly be addressed within the amount voters have already authorized, it makes sense to explore that opportunity.
In this case, we may have the opportunity to complete an improvement that was part of our original vision, has been consistently supported by our community, and is very much needed, all within the amount already authorized for the capital project with Board approval.
Coming in under budget is something we should celebrate. It reflects careful stewardship of our community’s investment. Now we want to be equally thoughtful about how we maximize that investment for our students and families.
There are still several required steps, including Board approval before anything is final, but we are very encouraged by the possibility of bringing this important piece of the original plan back to life.
Superintendent Michelle Osterhoudt