Post #1 – Introduction Information for Building Project as of 12/14/2020

Post #1 – Introduction

Eagle Vision – Part II

Over the past year, the Jasper County School Board, administration, staff, and building committee have been exploring options to upgrade/renovate the School District’s facilities. On the November, 2018 ballot, the local voters confirmed their support to address facility issues by passing the 1% Sales Tax referendum ($$ to be used ONLY for facilities). At that time a preliminary plan had been created to address the major building / facility deficiencies and create an opportunity list to enhance the education experience for our students. Since then, a team designated by the School Board has engaged with an architectural firm and an engineering construction firm to further refine the scope of work to be done in the near future. The team is still working to finalize the scope of work to be done. The School Board and Administration feel it is time to communicate the preliminary plan to the public to gather their input.

Over the next few days/weeks, we will be posting to the Jasper County IL School District FB page, the overview summaries of the project scope, financing, etc. Please check the FB page occasionally to view those summaries. Specifics to be covered include:

Financing
Update on Sales Tax revenue received by the school district
Review of the School Districts positive cash flow situation
Newton Elementary HVAC upgrade – Funded through Available Cash and a Short-Term Working Cash Bond (1 yr loan)
Financing plan for the Facilities Renovation / Upgrade project

Proposed Project Scope
Identification, screening and prioritization process to quantify the Facilities high priority renovation and upgrades
New Pre-K, Kindergarten building
Upgrades to Newton Elementary
High School Skilled Trades addition
High School / Junior High renovations

Planned School Tax Levy for 2021

The Project team, the School Board and the Superintendent are open to questions. Please feel free to communicate your ideas and thoughts during upcoming Facebook Live sessions.

Andrew D. Johnson Superintendent

Jason Kuhl Board Member, Project Team Member

Bill Meinhart Board Member, Project Team Member