DONNELLSON – Central Lee schools are getting proactive about the trending increase in student enrollment. And that includes possibly spending about $4 million for three or four additional classrooms at the district’s K-8 building.
At a special work session of the board Thursday night at the district’s administrative offices, just a few yards from construction on new administrative offices, Superintendent Dr. Andy Crozier outlined construction and financing options on the expansion.
The district completed a bonded $13-million facility upgrade in 2021 that included featured improvements to security, learning, fine arts, and athletic space to the campus just southeast of Donnellson. It also added improvements to security all around the campus and additional learning spaces at the elementary school just to the east.
That construction was funded with a bond referendum that was passed by voters in the district. Crozier was clear that this project would not require going in front of the voters again.
“We will not be bonding,” Crozier emphasized. “We will not be bonding for this work.”
The funding for the project would likely come from the district’s 1-cent sales tax capability.
Crozier said the district has about $1 million left in that account and would likely borrow against funds coming into the district over the next 4-20 years.
“I’ve asked for scenarios for 4, 10, 15, and 20 years,” he said. “Those will be in Tuesday’s board meeting packet.”
He said the four-year scenario is probably not doable because of the large payments the district would incur, including a $600,000 initial payment. The 4-year plan would cost about $1.7 million per year.
Plans include three additional classrooms with the possibility of a fourth future classroom.
Design officials at the meeting said they are looking at a spring or fall 2026 completion date with bids possibly going out this summer.
The plans currently include a courtyard, new restrooms, larger classrooms, separate library space, and will maintain staffing resources.
Another option for funding could be a board-approved Physical Plant & Equipment Levy which currently is not in place at Central Lee. Public school boards can pass what is called a board-approved PPEL for up to 10 years and no more than $1.34/$1000 of equalized assessed valuation. Crozier said financing options would also include information on how a PPEL could be used.
Crozier said the district is projected to generate $10.8 million in one-cent sales tax, or SAVE tax (formerly LOST tax), over the next 15 years. The district would also likely need voters to approve a Revenue Purpose Statement, which defines how the district can use the money financed against the SAVE funds.
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