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Pulaski board hears construction progress, agrees to keep exploring capital projects
Summary
District contractors reported substantial progress at Hillcrest and Sunnyside, administration said projects sit about $1 million under the referendum budget and suggested the district could issue up to $40 million in general-obligation debt under current assumptions; the board gave staff a green light to continue exploring projects and community outreach toward a possible November ballot.
Contractors and district administrators gave the Pulaski School Board a progress and planning update, reporting steady construction at Hillcrest and Sunnyside and urging continued study of potential high-school and CTE projects ahead of any referendum.
A representative from CD Smith described Hillcrest as a 58,000-square-foot addition with extensive remodels to mechanical systems, a new cafeteria and kitchen and a gym-to-library conversion. "We started in there two weeks ago…that's a rendering of what we will be turning over to you, come August," the presenter said, summarizing progress and noting parts of the new admin office were cleared for summer use.
On Sunnyside, CD Smith outlined a core skylight renovation and a library relocation from the former cafeteria. The presenter said the skylight was set in early May, enabling painting and interior finishes, and that work has moved to cubbies and casework as crews press to ready spaces for staff before school begins. The presenter said both Sunnyside and Hillcrest projects were "financially in really good shape," and reported the overall program balance was "over $1,000,000 under the referendum." The district said final demo and finishing work remain and could affect contingency returns.
Administration also presented early survey results about exploring a capital referendum: among parents, 38% favored exploring a referendum, 22% opposed studying it now, and 40% wanted more information; staff responses were reported as more favorable. District staff recommended more community engagement, listening sessions and follow-up surveys to refine scope and cost estimates before committing to a ballot question.
On financing, administration said the district could, under current assumptions, issue up to $40,000,000 in general-obligation debt "without increasing the current debt levy," allowing the district to fund substantial projects while keeping the debt levy level unchanged in the scenario presented. Officials cautioned that the figure depends on assumptions about interest rates and other variables and said more detailed financial modeling will be shared as planning continues.
Board members asked about schedule risk and enforcement of teacher access to finished spaces; presenters said they were "in really good shape" and hoped for early August turnover for staff access but did not promise specific dates. After discussion the board indicated no objections to continuing work on project planning and community outreach, providing staff the go-ahead to proceed with additional information-gathering and updated cost scenarios.
The board directed administration to continue community engagement, update cost and financing estimates, and return with recommended next steps and timelines for any referendum process.
