Since voters approved FZ Prop 4 in 2022, the Facilities Department has completed at least one project at every building in the district, with the exception of District Office, Student Nutrition and PDTC. In September, the Board heard an overview of the projects in various phases, and a report from Dr. Henry St. Pierre, Superintendent, on the status of bond funds.
It’s important to note that funds for capital improvements (bond funds) can only be used to acquire or improve district infrastructure, for example construction of buildings, repair or replacement of major building systems, or building enhancements such as painting and flooring work. Bond funds cannot be used as a part of our budget for day-to-day expenses such as salaries/benefits, supplies and utilities.
Regardless of the type of project, costs have dramatically risen for materials, labor and even permitting. St. Pierre told the Board that the conditions have changed since the original planning for Prop 4 began, well before its passage in 2022. At the Board’s request, the district conducted a survey to ensure an understanding of the community’s priorities for usage of the remaining bond funds.
The district received more than 3,600 responses representing all stakeholder groups. Given those results and the known needs around the district, work for the remaining $32 million in funds from the 2022 bond issue has been prioritized as follows:
proceed with HVAC replacements in 2027 and 2028 at Ostmann, Emge, DuBray and West High
complete critical roofing repairs as needed according to the results of the roofing assessment
complete critical parking lot repairs as determined necessary by internal assessment combined with Cordogan Clark’s physical needs assessment
continue elementary storm shelter additions as we are able
complete various miscellaneous and smaller scale projects as identified by Cordogan Clark’s needs assessment and the District’s identification of needs
reserve funds for emergencies and unforeseen repairs/replacements
Given the cost escalation FZSD has experienced and the known critical needs in multiple areas, the district is, unfortunately, unable to move forward with the natatorium under the scope of the 2022 bond issue at this time. Additionally, while FZSD will be able to continue adding storm shelters, it will be unable to complete them at every elementary school. The plan will be to carry remaining storm shelter projects into our future planning and reassess the feasibility and practicality of a swimming pool before running another bond issue to determine if such a project is in the district’s best interests.
Thank you to everyone who provided input on this important matter.