Riverside board hears $120 million facilities plan tied to 1% earned-income tax; partnerships eyed

District officials presented an updated facilities plan and financing scenario aimed at reversing aging infrastructure and redesigning campus space.

The superintendent told the board the plan reflects current enrollment trends and consultant updates and would be carried out in phases: construct a classroom addition, renovate the high school, then demolish John R. Williams and reuse the site. He said district enrollment is declining and staff expect the district's total to be under 4,000 students next year, with graduating classes near 325—350 and kindergarten cohorts currently projected around 250 (about 60 registered at the time of the meeting).

Why it matters: the district tied project delivery to a funding model that assumes passage of a 1% earned-income tax and roughly $120 million in borrowing, split into two $60 million COPs issuances. Administration briefed the board that the plan assumes conservative collection timing (bonds sold in 2028 and 2030 under the scenario) and built in a 5% construction inflation factor. The treasurer later warned the board that COPs debt service for the Buckeye project would create material PI-fund pressure beginning in 2028—2029 under the current assumptions.

On partnerships, officials said they are pursuing a range of joint-use arrangements to reduce capital and operating cost burdens. Staff described early conversations with the YMCA about a community facility (potential options include siting on the John R. parcel, adjacent to the fieldhouse, or other campus acreage) and with University Hospitals about on-site health services and training partnerships. Chris, a facilities liaison, said the YMCA had expressed interest but also noted fundraising and site concerns: "Construction's expensive," he said, summarizing the partner's feedback and the realities of current construction markets.

Board members asked detailed procedural and timing questions about how a decision to pursue a ballot measure would affect budgeting, redistricting and the five-year forecast. Administration said the district plans to refine cost estimates with its firm (TDA) and present a more detailed timeline before any vote is scheduled. The superintendent said that, under the model shown, some operational relief for the general fund would not fully materialize until several years after bond/COPs sale while debt service ramps up.

What's next: staff will tighten costing and timelines with the district's construction advisors, continue partner negotiations, pursue township and community outreach, and return with a resolution and final financing plan if the board directs further action. The treasurer signaled that a November 2026 ballot would fit the timeline used in the presentation but warned the board about PI-fund deficits when COPs payments begin.