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TCU task force recommends $35–$40 million bond, prioritizes Lonsdale expansion and CTE upgrades
Summary
A citizen task force convened by Tri-City United School District recommends a $35–$40 million bond to fund a major Lonsdale expansion, expanded CTE/ag facilities at the high school and infrastructure repairs; the recommendation follows a district survey of about 600 residents.
A citizen task force advising the Tri‑City United School District recommended that the school board pursue a $35–$40 million bond focusing on a major expansion in Lonsdale, larger career and technical education and agricultural (CTE/ag) space at the high school, and remaining infrastructure needs across the district.
The recommendation follows a districtwide community survey and five task force meetings that included building tours and presentations of engineering and financial analyses. Dan Rooney, consultant with SiteLogic, told the board the survey drew about 600 responses — roughly a 5 percent participation rate — and was “statistically viable” for gauging community priorities.
Why the bond matters: the task force argued a large investment would address enrollment pressure and program demand in Lonsdale, keep students from open‑enrolling to neighboring districts and create space that could ease crowding in Montgomery and Lee Center. “Lonsdale is growing,” task force member Brandon Brockway said; the group urged planning for at least 20 years of growth rather than short‑term fixes.
The task force listed three priorities: (1) a significant Lonsdale expansion (potentially new construction) to add classrooms, gym and music space and address drop‑off and parking; (2) expanded CTE/ag facilities at the high school to accommodate programs such as welding, carpentry and expanded shop offerings; and (3) use of any remaining bond capacity for roofing, HVAC, electrical and other infrastructure repairs identified in engineering reports.
The group emphasized local economic ties for CTE expansion and recommended seeking matching funds from local businesses and ag partners to stretch district dollars. Task force member Maggie Stenesis said expanded welding and ag spaces would allow students to earn certificates and enter the workforce or offset college costs.
Financial context: presenters told the task force the district could leverage a “debt drop” and existing debt structure to support a bond in the recommended range with manageable tax impacts. The consultant presented a median‑home tax estimate derived from community input that showed differing impacts across the three towns; the task force also noted that parents (age 35–44) were most willing to accept higher tax levels while older residents tended to prefer smaller increases.
Process and next steps: the task force reported unanimous support for its recommendation after several meetings. The group asked the board for one additional meeting to review final plans and to serve as an information forum to help the task force act as community advocates if the board moves forward with a referendum. Superintendent Kevin Babcock and board members thanked the volunteers and noted administrators will incorporate the task force’s input as the board determines next steps.
What was not decided: the task force recommended major goals and a bond range but did not settle on detailed building designs, exact scope for a K–8 configuration in Lonsdale, nor precise tax levy figures; those planning decisions were left to the district administration and board.
The task force presentation, the community survey results and the engineering summaries will be provided to the board and made available to the public for further review.
