FAIRMONT - Fairmont Area School board members are asking voters to approve a $15 million addition at Five Lakes Elementary.
The district has received a positive review and comment from the state on its plan to build a 69,000-square foot addition to house preschool through second grade. The plan would take William Budd and Lincoln schools "offline," meaning they would no longer house students.
The question on the May 20 ballot will ask whether the district should be authorized to issue $15 million in bonds. If approved, the plan would reduce the school's campuses from four to two, ostensibly creating operating efficiencies.
The city of Fairmont's desire to use the William Budd site for its water treatment project also factors into the district's decision.
Board members also indicated the project, in the works since 2007, needs to move forward in order to capitalize on perceived contractor interest as well as low interest rates.
"It is not an easy decision," said school board president Diane Gerhardt. "I think the pros outweigh the cons, though, by far. With the condition of the buildings, the gaining of efficiencies, and the city's need for the property. There are so many things that are falling in to place I think we need to move forward."
The plan to build at Five Lakes is similar to a plan brought before voters in 2007. The plan was rejected, and the district spent much of the last two and half years determining how to handle deferred maintenance and space issues at Budd School.
A task force of teachers, community members and other stakeholders was formed to review options. After more than a year of meetings, tours, financial discussions and other considerations, the task force presented the school board with several options.
With the city approaching the school with a plan to use the Budd site for its water treatment project, the district decided this is the time to ask voters for support.
"This is not a decision was entered into offhand," said board member Dan Brookens. "There were many, many dozens - hundreds - of hours of people from across the community (working) to come to this general consensus. It is a unique and outstanding opportunity."
In other business, the school board:
o Approved additional projects to be funded using past referendum and alternative facilities levy dollars. Because many projects have come in under budget, the district was left with $337,000.
Softball-complex upgrades; and removal and replacement of eight tennis courts and electrical service upgrades have been identified as projects the district wants to complete with the money.
In the event those projects come in significantly under budget, two alternatives for leftover funds have been identified: Lighting for the tennis courts and additional tennis courts.
o Awarded a contract for asbestos abatement to MAVO Systems. The projects involve both Five Lakes Elementary and the Junior/Senior High School.
At Five Lakes, two steam boilers and breaching will be removed, as well as pipes and glue in the ceiling of the main gym. The ceiling needs attention before workers can access that area for mechanical work this summer.
At the junior/senior high school, panels in the field house restrooms need to be removed.
MAVO Systems had the lowest bid, $20,000 below the amount budgeted for the project.