ULYSSES – In a special election August 29, Grant County voters will consider two questions for improving USD 214 facilities. The first question will determine whether a school bond project will move forward, and the second asks whether to implement a one percent city sales tax in Ulysses to help fund bond repayment.
After several years of careful consideration, the district facilities steering committee developed a facilities bond proposal aimed at addressing significant needs of the current buildings. The proposal, created in collaboration with GMCN Architects and McCown Gordon Construction, focuses on “future-proofing” the district’s facilities to make them more efficient to maintain, more effective for learning, and safer for students and staff.
At the heart of the $44.75 million project is a reconfiguration of grades across three buildings: Hickok Elementary (Pre-K-3), Sullivan Elementary (4-6), and Ulysses Junior/Senior High (7-12).
The bulk of the project would include construction of a new middle school wing at Ulysses High School, transitioning it to a 7-12 grade campus. It also includes new science labs and weight room; upgrades to all classrooms; and expanded shop areas, kitchen, and music rooms.
The project also addresses ADA and safety concerns and mechanical system upgrades district-wide. The elementary buildings will also see renovations to classrooms, hallways, improved security and student safety.
Kepley’s auditorium and gym would remain in use, and the district office would relocate to Kepley. This configuration brings many benefits for students and faculty, including fewer transitions across a student’s educational journey, as well as more efficient food service and shared access for grades 7-12 for music, shop, and other specialized classrooms at designated times.
“The board and steering committee have been looking at our facilities for about 10 years, and it’s clear our buildings need many updates,” said Corey Burton, USD 214 Superintendent. “We’re not equipped to handle modern technology and learning. Our enrollment has also leveled after a period of decline, and we can be much more effective for both student outcomes and our budget if we focus on maintaining fewer buildings.”
Proposed Bond Scope
Ulysses High School (Reconfigured for grades 7-12)
Transition to a 7-12 grade facility and expand classroom space by constructing a new middle school wing and a new high school wing
Address ADA and safety/security concerns by remodeling/upgrading the existing high school wing, kitchen, and culinary arts spaces
New science labs and renovated/upgraded shop areas
Construct a new weight room and renovate the existing weight room to serve as the wrestling room
Perform mechanical system upgrades
Hickok Elementary (Reconfigured for grades PreK-3)
Address accessibility, safety, and security by remodeling all classroom spaces, the kitchen all non-ADA compliant restrooms
Perform mechanical system upgrades and asbestos abatement where needed
The building will receive new windows and upgrades to the West facade and main entrance
Sullivan Elementary (Reconfigured for grades 4-6)
Address accessibility, safety, and security by remodeling all classroom spaces, the kitchen all non-ADA compliant restrooms
Perform mechanical system upgrades and asbestos abatement where needed
Kepley Middle School (Reconfigured as the new district office)
Upgrade the auditorium and dressing rooms with new lighting and paint
Renovate restrooms outside of auditorium and in the 1973 addition
The proposed $44.75 million bond would be financed over a 25-year period. Traditionally, bonds are financed through local property tax through the mill rate. However, recently there have been several schools and communities that have also utilized a local sales tax to help pay for the school bond project.
“If we were to just run the bond on a property tax increase, it would be a 17 mill increase, which would be around an additional $16 per month on a $100,000 home,” said Burton. “If we pass a one percent city sales tax along with the bond project, the mill increase drops to 12 mills, which is about $11.50 per month more on a $100,000 home.”
The USD 214 Board of Education and facilities steering committee will be hosting several informational nights where the community will be invited to tour the facilities and ask questions about the bond proposal.
Hickok Elementary School – July 24 at 6:00 pm and August 8 at 7:00 pm
Sullivan Elementary School – July 27 at 6:00 pm and August 10 at 7:00 pm
Ulysses High School – July 26 at 6:00 pm and August 9 at 7:00 pm
More details are available at usd214facilities.com
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