Board and public debate field house needs, cost and contingencies ahead of November referendum

Members of the public and board members spent an extended portion of the Aug. 11 Caldwell-West School District Board of Education meeting on questions about a planned November referendum to fund a new field house.

A resident asked whether district planners had explored renovating existing locker rooms inside the high school rather than building a new field house. The presiding officer (Board President) said district conversations with administrators, the athletic director and coaches had repeatedly concluded existing locker rooms and circulation do not sufficiently serve both boys’ and girls’ outdoor teams and that a field-level facility with trainers’ space and equal locker rooms is required.

“The need is an $8,000,000 field house,” the Board President said, distinguishing that figure from an earlier, larger design (“the want”) of roughly $15 million. The board described the $8 million figure as the compromise identified after public feedback and indicated the proposed plan would provide equal locker space and a trainer’s room at field level.

Business office staff member Brian (name provided in public discussion) described the district’s planned borrowing and contingency options. “The borrowing is 8 and a half million approximately. Right. And that's all going to be bonded,” Brian said, adding that the district expects to spread borrowing over 20 years and that, if costs exceed estimates, the board could use capital reserve funds to complete the project.

Board members explained next steps: the architect is scheduled to present further details in September, the referendum is planned for the Nov. 4 general election ballot, and the district will post timeline details on its website. The board said market-escalation contingencies are included in cost estimates and that some decisions about finishes may be made early to avoid large changes to the final price.

Board and staff answers also covered tax impact and fiscal risk. The presiding officer said the average household impact is roughly $82 (based on an example assessed value referenced during discussion). If final bids exceed the referendum amount, the board would decide whether to use capital reserves or reduce scope; voters would not separately reauthorize scope cuts after a successful referendum—the board emphasized that follow-up financial choices (for example, using capital reserve) are board decisions.

The discussion concluded with the board reaffirming that the field house project is being prioritized because of safety, access and accommodation for female athletes and other outdoor-sport needs; board leaders said they have held two years of planning meetings with high school administrators, coaches and the athletic director.

The district expects more detailed cost and schedule information when the architect presents in September and said the district will post updated timelines, contingency explanations and market escalation assumptions online ahead of the November vote.