Central Lee borrows against SAVE funds for K-8 expansion

DONNELLSON – The Central Lee school board moved forward with plans to spend $3.5 million on an expansion project at the elementary facility Tuesday morning.
The board held a public hearing Tuesday morning with no opposition to the project which will be funded out of Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE) funds. Those funds are not property tax generated but come out of formula-based funds generated by sales tax throughout the state of Iowa.
The district is planning to pay off the bond in just four years and not the typical 10-to-20-year bond, and the funds cannot be used for anything but the K-8 building expansion.
The project would cost the district about $3.4 million. It would add four classrooms, additional restrooms, and a corridor connecting district entryways and hallways. But Superintendent Dr. Andy Crozier said current plans are for three classrooms with an alternative for a fourth and the corridor.
“We’re not committed to any of this until we accept construction bids, but to continue this process, they are going to put out a bid package for three classrooms with an alternative for a fourth classroom and connecting corridor,” Crozier said.
“What that means is you’ll get a price for what three classrooms would be for the expansion and you’ll also get a price for a fourth so the board can make a decision for three or four (classrooms).”
He said the district wants to be fiscally responsible while also trying to understand district needs.
“I believe you can make the case for four. And you all know, in construction, if you do it later, you’ll pay more.”
He said the board will meet again in October to review the project before they go out for bids.
Central Lee has a voter-approved revenue purpose statement from 2009 that serves as a directive for the use of the funds in the district. That RPS will remain in effect until 2050 per state law, unless voters petition to change it or revoke it, or the Iowa legislature changes the terms of the funding stream.

The district completed a $13 million expansion to the high school about four years ago and is close to finishing a new administration building. They also just recently completed a $600,000 upgrade to the high school science facilities that was paid for in cash.
The resolution to issue the bonds was approved  5-0.
In an unrelated agenda item, the board approved bids for Phase 1 of baseball and softball renovations planned on the campus.
Phase 1 of the project,  includes fencing, resurfacing the infields, and backstops. Phase 2 includes replacing scoreboards and concrete seating renovations for the baseball field.
Phase 2 is projected at $121,000 and Phase 1 was projected at $271,000. Phase 1 bids came in at $227,000 with $191,325 being paid out of athletic booster club funds, while the district will be footing the cost of the new fence at the baseball field at about $36,000, which Crozier said was $19,000 less than projected.
Crozier said footings for the brick backstops going in on both the softball and baseball fields, and some concrete for the bases of the dugouts still need to be priced. Bids for that work should be available for the October meeting.
Phase I renovation work has already begun with the replacement of the infield grass on the baseball field. Other areas will start to see mobilization as early as next week. The first phase is slated to be complete before the first pitch of the 2026 baseball and softball seasons.
“This project represents a true community effort,” said Superintendent Andy Crozier. “Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we are making lasting improvements that will benefit Central Lee athletes, families, and fans for years to come.”
Crozier said the improvements will allow for additional space between the fields and netting that is about 15 feet higher to help prevent some of the occurrences of balls entering the adjacent fields.
Fundraising is still underway for Phase 2 improvements.
The booster club has a tiered contribution system for those interested in donating. Additionally, the club will continue to sell custom bricks through November 1. Individuals or groups that would like to leave their mark on the project are encouraged to donate or purchase a brick soon.