Bond Information
Phase 3
I wanted to take a moment to provide some important information regarding Phase 3.
As you may know, the bond budget was developed four years ago based on the best estimates available at that time. Unfortunately, the bids we recently received for Phase 3 athletic fields and the multi locker room came in significantly higher than anticipated. This has created a funding gap that makes it impossible to complete both of the projects originally planned for this phase.
We are committed to being fiscally responsible with the remaining bond funds and are working diligently to evaluate all available options. Our goal is to make thoughtful decisions that maximize the impact of these dollars, focusing on strategies that benefit the greatest number of students while staying within our financial means.
We understand that this may be disappointing news, and we share that sentiment. However, we remain dedicated to fulfilling the goals of the bond as fully and efficiently as possible. We will continue to keep you informed as we move forward with recommendations from the bond subcommittee, final decisions and next steps.
Q & A
Q) When will the Cafeteria Addition be completed?
A) Unfortunately, there have been a few challenges throughout this project that have set the completion dates of these additions further out. Although we had hoped to occupy them within the current school year, realistically the space may not be complete until summer break. The types of challenges that impacted the schedule were prioritizing labor and resources to finish the classroom work in the summer and early fall, inspections, material availability, and foundation rework. The project team has valued quality over speed on this project, so as a result, the schedule has required some flexibility.
Q) What is a Spirit Store?
A) We had a (former classroom) space that was only being utilized as a single office space. Considering the growing number of students remaining on campus to study for their Advanced Placement or Dual Enrollment class during their “off-hour,” the vision was to increase the utilization of this space. After talking with students, staff, and community members, there was also a desire to have a “school store” or “spirit store” within our building where our community members could purchase school-affiliated clothing and gear. Furthermore, there has been a desire to offer more on-campus work-based learning experiences for some of our students with special needs. Therefore, especially considering the space’s location (right next to our MHS Library), we combined all three needs to form a college-type student union lounge that doubles as a school/spirit store. Mrs Mowatt’s students will have plenty of space to work and prepare product, we will have merchandise for our community, and our upperclassmen will have a space from which to work that looks and feels like a college coffee shop. At some point, our Student Voice will name the new space, and we will post the merchandise for sale on our website.
Q) When can I come to see the renovations?
A) We will schedule a community open house once the additions are complete, likely in Summer 2025.
Q) Why can't we add even more classrooms to the elementary?
A) We had an enrollment study done that was required for the PQ application. We are only allowed a certain amount of new classroom additions with bond funds based on the enrollment study and are adding those classrooms with the addition.
