Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. officials are continuing to consider long-term plans for facility improvements and options for how such work might be funded.
A special school board meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday in the administration building. According to the agenda, the order of business is as follows:
1) Public comment
2) Approval of the 2023-25 tentative agreement between BCSC and the Columbus Educators Association (CEA)
3) Strategic planning: Envision 2030 Facility Projects
—Approval of Publication of Notice of First Preliminary Determination Hearing – Lease Rental Bonds
BCSC officials have been working on a proposal for a capital referendum to potentially fund a number of facilities projects.
“We have a lot of buildings that need some kind of tender, loving care over the next few years and are trying to approach that in the most effective and efficient way possible,” Superintendent Jim Roberts said at a previous strategic planning session.
According to Assistant Superintendent Chad Phillips, the primary purpose of Monday’s meeting is discussion of the potential projects and funding options.
“The only approval we plan to request on Monday (other than approval of the Collective Bargaining Agreement) is authorization to publish notice of public hearings that would likely occur in November and December,” he said. “These hearings are standard when we issue bonds and exist for the purpose of giving the public an opportunity to provide input regarding the bond issue.”
The school corporation’s list of potential projects has a total estimated cost of $306 million. Phillips has said that BCSC can get close to this amount without raising the tax rate. However, he added that individuals who are at tax caps may see an increase on their bills if a referendum is passed by voters.
A presentation on BCSC’s “Envision 2030” website includes a list of possible projects that might be funded through a referendum, along with estimated costs and start dates. The list is as follows:
- New westside elementary school — $60 million, 2024
- Renovations to remaining elementary schools — $114 million, 2024-2028
- Significant renovation at Northside Middle School and tech/equipment updates at Central Middle School — $53 million, 2025
- Additions and renovations to both Columbus North and East high schools to meet career and tech education demands — $14 million, 2027
- Physical education/athletics expansions at the two high schools to meet demands — $62 million, 2027
- Relocation of Bright Beginnings Early Learning Center to the The R.L. Johnson Building and relocation of Columbus Virtual Pathway to The McDowell Education Center — $3 million, 2024 and 2026
Director of Operations Brett Boezeman said the size of the projects makes them subject to a referendum.
BCSC officials have indicated that if the school board is in favor of a referendum, the school corporation would look to have the question on the ballot in 2024, likely during the May primary.
Per the meeting agenda, the board will vote to ratify BCSC’s collective bargaining agreement with the CEA prior to discussing facilities projects on Monday.
CEA members voted on the contract earlier this week. According to President Amy London, it passed with 97% of the vote. 341 out of 462 CEA members — or 74% — participated in voting, with 331 in favor and 10 against, she said.
