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District proposes $1 million auditorium renovation from capital reserve; would be voter referendum in May
Summary
Administrators proposed a May referendum to withdraw up to $1 million from the district's capital reserve to renovate the high-school auditorium (estimated cost ~$720,000 with contingency), with the project to be aided over 15 years if approved and with SED expedited review used to speed permitting.
Presenter told the board the district is considering a referendum in May to use the capital reserve for an auditorium renovation and said the work would be aided over 15 years if voters approve. "This would be a separate referendum on the ballot in May," the Presenter said.
Nut graf: The district has an existing voter-approved capital reserve (established May 2022) and a current balance Presenter described as just over $2,000,000. The renovation described is intended as a "clean gut" and face-lift rather than a structural rebuild; administrators proposed asking for $1,000,000 to allow contingency while current line estimates total about $720,000.
Presenter gave cost estimates for key components: replacing the seating system (about $200,000), flooring and stage work (about $132,000), replacing the red curtains (about $40,000), lighting and sound (quote pending), and architect fees (just under $40,000). The Presenter said if the district does not use the full million, remaining funds would revert to the capital reserve.
Presenter and committee members discussed cash flow and aid timing. A committee member summarized the anticipated aid: "We're gonna get 78% over 15 years back," and Presenter noted that using reserve funds would mean the district is deploying its own money and then receiving building aid over the aid cycle. Presenter said the health and safety committee supported the approach and that architects will prepare specifications and cost estimates in coming weeks.
Ending: If voters approve the referendum in May, the district could submit the project to SED in early June, seek a permit by mid-July, and begin work in August; Presenter said the board would continue to refine designs and costs before any final vote.
