SOLON — The Solon Community School District (SCSD) has released a list of possible capital improvement projects, which would be funded through a general obligation bond. Voters would be asked to approve the bond issue in March. Due to rapid and continued population growth in the district there will be a need for classrooms, support spaces, multi-purpose spaces, and indoor activity spaces.
However, the costs to complete the projects identified in the district’s master facility plan are greater than the annual operating budget can support, thus necessitating the bond referendum.
While the district has some outstanding debt, Superintendent Davis Eidahl has publicly stated passage of the bond (up to $25 million) will not result in a higher tax levy due to the district’s financial practices and continued increases in property valuation. It should be noted the school district does not determine nor set valuation.
Currently the district’s tax levy is $16.28 and is projected to remain the same to 2028. The levy was as high as $16.35 in 2015 and dipped to $16.11 in 2017, before increasing to $16.23 in 2018.
The district is actively seeking the community’s input through a survey, which is available online and in paper form. The survey explains the proposed projects (also described below) and asks participants to rate them by priority (high, medium, low, undecided/need more information).
The survey can be accessed online at: https>//isginc.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5cq6Ec4qT0WoUfk.
A paper survey can be downloaded and printed from www.solon.k12.ia.us, or call 319-624-1349, ext. 1349 to have a survey mailed to you. Once completed drop off or mail to the District Office – Solon Community School District, 301 S. Iowa St., Solon, IA, 52333.
The survey is available now and will close Sunday, Dec. 4.
Proposed projects
Expand Solon Intermediate School (SIS)
The SIS, built in 2017, was designed with an additional wing to be built when enrollment growth warranted it. Growth in the district over the past decade coupled with projected future growth means additional classroom space is needed. An addition would provide enough space for seven sections (classrooms) per grade level in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.
The addition would provide seven general education classrooms, one special education classroom and space, one project-based learning room, and an additional gym.
Estimated cost: $9-$10 million.
Update Lakeview Elementary School
Lakeview was originally built in 1966 and expanded in 1974, 1992, and 2010. Despite being well-maintained, the building is showing it’s age as many of the major systems (electrical, plumbing, and heating and cooling) are needing updating or replacement. In addition many of the finishes are worn, beyond their life expectancy, and in need of replacing.
Projects would include:
• Replace components in the heating and cooling system
• Replace remaining original roof sections
• Repave cracked and damaged pavement, curb, and gutter
• Update gym floor and wall mats, add energy-efficient lighting, paint, and replace bleachers
• Update classroom finishes including paint, flooring, lighting, and furniture
• Replace worn playground equipment
Estimated cost: up to $7 million.
Replace turf at Spartan Stadium
The turf playing surface was originally installed in 2010 with an anticipated lifespan of ten years. The turf is now 12 years old and in need of replacement. The district has experienced cost benefits from not having to maintain (water, mow, and line) the field. In addition, the turf provides an all-weather surface and does not need to recover from use.
Estimated cost: $800,000
Create a dedicated Transportation Facility
Earlier this year the district purchased the former Truck Shop on the north edge of Solon to serve as the Transportation Center for the district. This acquisition will provide needed space for routine maintenance to buses, and the ability to park out of the elements in the winter months. Bus drivers will be able to perform their pre-route inspection more efficiently and not have to spend time clearing snow off of the buses before each route. This facility also allows the district to explore utilizing vacated space to better support courses in industrial and technical education.
However, to fully meet the district’s needs, some improvement and upgrades are required:
• Upgrade the heating and cooling (HVAC) system
• Renovate rest rooms and office space
• Construct a canopy and electric bus plug-in stations
• Pour concrete
Estimated cost: $650,000
Right-size and improve Administrative Building efficiencies
The district’s administrative office is located in the 1917 tower of the former middle/high school on S. Iowa St. The building has excess space that the district does not need, and therefore the district leases the remainder of the building to the City, which uses it as the current Community Center. The City has indicated they may eventually end their lease and vacate the property, leaving the district with a significant amount of unneeded space.
A recent facility assessment identified more than $4 million in immediate repairs needed. All of the building’s systems (heating and cooling, electrical, and plumbing) are in need of replacement. In addition, the building is not in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Even if these improvements are made the building would not meet today’s educational standards and could not be used as a school without a substantial renovation to the building’s interior.
Given the building has been deemed unable to be used as a school because its current state and the financial investment needed to allow students to again occupy the space is greater than building new, two options to meet the administrative space needs have been identified:
Option One – Update and maintain only the 1917 tower portion.
This would demolish all of the former middle/high school and leave only the 1917 tower. The tower will require an investment to the heating and ventilation, electrical, and plumbing systems, replacement of roof sections, updating worn finishes, and addressing ADA code compliance, including adding an elevator and additional restrooms.
Estimated cost: $5 million
Option Two – Demolish the existing building and replace with a small office building
Demolishing the existing building would allow the district to build a 4,000 sq. ft. energy-efficient single-level building. The district will realize annual operating savings with new building systems in a right-sized space. In addition, the site will be cleared and maintained for a potential new school, should that be needed in the future.
Estimated cost: $2.1 million.
Based on the district’s administrative space needs and the size of the investment needed in the existing tower, District leadership does not believe it is fiscally responsible to continue to invest in the existing tower and recommends Option Two as the best long-term investment.
Build a multi-purpose Indoor Activity Facility
There is a shortage of indoor activity space in the district, which creates challenges in scheduling for the District’s co-curricular programs. Also, access for community and youth recreation is extremely limited.
The indoor facility could include multi-purpose turf flooring that could be used for: baseball, softball, soccer, golf, marching band, archery, and other activities.
The district has identified land on the middle school property as a potential site for the facility. However, there are many details that need to be determined during the facility design process that could impact where the building is ultimately located.
Estimated cost: $4 million.
Sales Tax Revenue Purpose Statement and Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) may also appear on the ballot March 7, 2023
Sales Tax Revenue Purpose Statement
In 2011, Solon voters approved a revenue purpose statement that authorized the use of sales tax revenue through 2030.
SCSD voters will be asked to extend the District’s Sales Tax Revenue Purpose Statement for the period 2030-2050. This will allow the District to continue to access funds through sales tax. The District uses these funds to remodel/repair/expand and improve the school buildings and grounds in the district, and to furnish and equip district facilities.
This will NOT increase the sales tax citizens are paying on taxable purchases.
Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL)
SCSD voters approved a $1.34 PPEL levy in 2016. These funds have been used to purchase technology, transportation vehicles (bus, van, car), custodial equipment (mowers, trailers, carpet machines, radios), and building security equipment. In addition, projects including roof repairs, concrete extensions and repairs, air handling unit, window and carpet replacement, and parking lot conversion to LED have been funded with PPEL dollars. This authority is scheduled to expire in 2026 (Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026). Solon voters will be asked to extend the existing tax for the next ten years (through 2036) to continue to support these ongoing annual needs.
This will NOT increase the tax rate.