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Board hears facilities and transportation update; bus barn and high school addition move forward
Summary
Operations staff told the Tea Area School District board the high school addition is nearing completion, the district is proceeding with a 14-bay bus barn concept, and transportation planners expect two additional route buses and more activity buses next year.
District operations staff reported progress on multiple facilities projects and upcoming transportation needs at the June meeting of the Tea Area School District 41-5 board.
Staff said two additional route buses and an additional mini bus are expected this fall and the district is pricing two more activity buses because lead times exceed a year. The board received a conceptual design for a new 14-bay bus barn with an operations shop; operations staff reported city council approval to proceed and that the district is doing initial dirt work to save costs.
Facilities work included completion of the Venture chiller/ice-storage project (described as reducing energy by harvesting ice during off-peak hours), purchase of new custodial and grounds equipment, planning for roof replacements on older buildings, installation of new doors on the legacy gym and lighting upgrades at the sports complex funded via board-approved down payment.
Long-range planning items discussed included progress on the middle school land purchase (negotiations ongoing) and a referenced parcel at 460 Eighth Avenue where township or municipal work on road improvements is needed; operations staff and board members discussed limited municipal capacity and state funding changes (Senate Bill 216 was cited as having reduced city funding, impacting road timelines).
Staff also reported the high school addition is scheduled to open at the start of school, with interior finishes, classroom fit-up and stage/balcony work described in photos shown to the board. No formal facilities vote was required tonight beyond earlier approvals of capital outlay certificates and project planning; staff noted that specific capital project costs will be reflected in future budget updates.
Board members asked about scheduling pressures on transportation, increased participation in activities and the need for additional drivers; staff said driver recruitment continues and that activity scheduling has increased demand for buses.
