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Superintendent lays out three-year capital projects plan, flexible instructional days and grant pursuit
Summary
Superintendent Blom presented plans for Flexible Instructional Days (up to five per year), a comprehensive three-year capital projects (CapEx) list—roofs, HVAC, auditorium and possible field turf—and identified grant opportunities (PCCD). Board members requested more cost details and vehicle inventories for budget planning.
Superintendent Doctor Blom presented a district update focused on instructional flexibility and facilities planning, asking the board to review a three-year capital projects list before deciding on priorities.
On instructional scheduling, Blom reviewed Flexible Instructional Days (FID) as an option to replace traditional snow days with synchronous remote instruction. He noted state rules allow up to five FIDs per year but cautioned operational limits — for example, many elementary students do not take Chromebooks home daily, limiting immediate FID use. The administration will communicate details to parents and staff and provide building contacts for questions.
The majority of the presentation described a comprehensive CapEx list assembled with engineers, administrators and student input. Items include roof work, HVAC upgrades, science lab renovations, gym/auditorium lighting and sound upgrades, vehicle replacement and a potential new concession stand at the stadium. The superintendent and facilities staff said some projects are routine maintenance while others are enrichment. They recommended prioritizing work that addresses safety and deferred maintenance and noted rising costs since prior estimates.
Board members pressed for more detail on finance implications. Questions included: how many transportation and maintenance vehicles the district currently owns (administration said the district has more than 60 vehicles with an average cost over $50,000 each), Clarification of capital reserve balances (figures in materials varied; one cited balance was about $10,000,001), and estimates for individual projects. The superintendent said staff would return with exact vehicle counts, updated cost estimates, and further prioritization at the January work session; engineers and Marvin (transportation/maintenance lead) will provide replacement schedules and details.
The administration highlighted potential grant opportunities, including a PCCD safety-and-mental-health grant estimated historically around $150,000 for the district, and said staff are pursuing applicable grants to offset CapEx costs. Board members asked staff to explore economies of scale for HVAC bids and to present scenarios that avoid heavy borrowing while preserving reserves.
The district will continue to refine the CapEx list and present more detailed budgets and timelines in January so the board can decide which projects to advance.
