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Minds and Matter: Pardon our dust: Phase I changes starting at schools
by Kevin Hatfield, School Superintendent · Op-Ed · July 31, 2014


Work on the Phase I prioritized projects of the 15-year District Facilities Plan has begun as promised.


The phased-in facilities improvement work is designed to eliminate “patch-quilt” improvement approaches. The District’s Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) and the Statewide School Infrastructure Sales and Services Tax (SAVE - formerly known as Local Option Sales & Services Tax for School Infrastructure-LOSST) are being used to fund early improvements. No tax increases are required for much needed early phase projects. The money allocated for facilities improvements will not only benefit our students and staff, but the entire community. Facilities improvements are designed to improve stakeholder safety and enhance our learning experiences and access to programs.

Part of our Phase I work focuses on expansion of West Branch High School’s west parking lot. The work is part of a larger parking lot system aligned to possible building expansion work in the future. (i.e. a new performing arts center, convert new gym to competition gym, move middle school to high school and construction enhancement for Hoover Elementary School) Please note that PPEL and SAVE funds cannot be used for salaries or instructional materials. The West Branch Board of Education and I have been conservative in our use of PPEL / SAVE fund expenditures. In 2012, I an anticipated a fund balance of $1.4 million, but our general maintenance expenses remained stable and we ended the 2013-2014 school year with a PPEL / SAVE balance of $1.6 million. The District is grateful to the taxpayers of West Branch!



The 15-Year Master Facilities Plan contains five phases. Phase I (2014 - 2016) of the plan calls for:

• Improvements to the high school’s west parking lot starts in late July ($450,000)

• Purchase of a new bus to improve our aging fleet. It arrives in early August. ($110,000)

• ADA building compliance improvements are in progress ($15,000)

• Electric, power upgrades, safety improvements and new lights Oliphant Field ($170,000)

• Extension of the high school’s east parking lot scheduled for 2015 – 2016 estimated at ($200,000)

• Restrooms remodels and improvements for Hoover Elementary School for spring of 2015)

• Preparations for moving softball and baseball fields and around new concession stand at the high school. (spring 2016 / 2017)



High school parking lot changes

Parents, students and guests, the District ask for your patience and careful driving as construction on the west parking lot begins.

We will need to make maximize the use of the softball field’s parking lot during construction.

The west parking lot expansion project doubles the number of park spaces. It will improve parent drop-off and separates buses from vehicles for added safety.

The project also adds a much needed turning lane for exiting the high school. Please visit the District’s Web site to view updated Phase-in Facilities Funding Plans.

Thank you!