Board President Desh called the Special Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Board President Desh led the board and the patrons in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Announcement of the Open Meetings Act Posting
Discussion:
Board President Desh identified the location of the Open Meetings Act poster in the media center and declared the meeting a public meeting.
3. Discussion Item- Facility Planning and Discussion
Discussion: Summary of Information:
Representatives from Clark Enersen presented information to board members regarding possible "draft" options for facility enhancements to the elementary and high school buildings.
Various options (listed below) highlighted possible expansion ideas at the elementary school and the high school. This information was a culmination of previous ideas and prior community input aligned with our NASB strategic planning "needs analysis" and comprehensive enrollment study results.
The information was presented for the purpose of discussion, problem-solving, and questions.
No action was taken on any item.
Highlights of the Bennet Elementary School possible expansion project include:
The addition of new / renovated classrooms and student learning areas
Expanded kitchen area and student commons area
Expanded office area to include a conference room, expanded nurse’s office, and main office area
Expanded student commons / indoor activity space near the southeast edge of the gym
Remodeling and enhancing the current gymnasium and stage area
Enhancement of the current outdoor classroom
Playground renovations
Future possibilities include adding more gym space to the east of the current gymnasium
Additional Bennet Elementary School discussion included HVAC capacities, bus, traffic, and pedestrian traffic flow, width of bus lanes and parking, green space availability, and potential impact on neighboring properties.
Highlights of possible Palmyra High School expansion options:Please note:There were 2 possible options discussed:
Option # 1:
Additional classrooms, to include space for content area classes, specialized educational programs, and a "common use" conference room /meeting space
Enhanced elevator access and additional restrooms
Expanded student commons and main office areas
Development of a new Career Technical Education (CTE) Area
Repurpose the current IT "shop area" into a new student weight room and community-based fitness center with secure public accessibility
Repurpose the current weight deck into a wrestling/ fitness room
Expand the current music classroom area
Discussion: High School Option # 2:
This "draft" option included information about adding new classrooms and student commons space with the development of a separate school structure across the street west of the high school building on the football field.
Longer range planning discussions included the possibility of the reconfiguration of village streets west of the high school, traffic and safety challenges associated with the road immediately west of the building, and the addition of additional activity areas.
A Piper Sandler representative provided financial information related to estimated project costs and timeline parameters regarding a possible bond election sometime in the near future (Fall 2022). Costs were reviewed for various dollar amounts, estimated interest rates, and financing terms.
Additional discussion centered around what other information was needed to move forward with a decision on facility expansion, opportunities to gather more community input, collaboration with local village boards, and additional patron survey feedback.
A "draft" schedule of possible community engagement meeting dates and survey questions was discussed and will be finalized at the April regular board meeting.
