District outlines master facilities planning, aims to remain tax-levy neutral; hearings set for November and December

District leaders gave an update Oct. 27 on the New Albany Floyd County Schools master facilities planning process, describing an 18-month study by Schmidt and Associates and several board work sessions that informed a list of needed repairs and upgrades. The administration said it is moving into the planning and financing phase and emphasized a goal of remaining tax-levy neutral.

"The biggest thing we're focusing on and the biggest thing that we're gonna continue to speak to is, our ability to to control that tax levy," Dr. Madison said. He described an approach that seeks a larger overall authorization to provide flexibility while staging borrowing and projects so debt coming off the district—s books offsets new debt service and avoids large spikes in the levy. "We're gonna try to layer those to where we can pay them off accordingly, and that's where the tax that that tax levy neutrality comes in," he said.

District officials said the master plan prioritizes essential systems (HVAC, roofs, energy-efficiency upgrades) and aims for durable, efficient buildings rather than "Taj Mahal" projects. The district plans preliminary-determination hearings in November and December, officials said, and named firms assisting the process: Ice Miller (legal), Stifel (financial advisor), Policy Analytics (revenue and parcel analysis) and Schmidt and Associates (facility study). Kristen from Ice Miller was in the room to guide process questions.

Dr. Madison said the district believes its fiscal position allows it to address many needs if projects are staggered and planned carefully; he invited community members to upcoming hearings and urged questions and contact with district staff during the next two months. No binding financing decision or bond sale was made at the meeting; staff said work will continue through the public hearings and follow-up presentations to the board.