School Vision: Questions answered

School officials and members of the “Yes for Pea Ridge” committee compiled questions and concerns raised by area residents. Many of those questioning the request for an additional 5.1 mils attended an information fair Saturday to hear the answers to their questions.

Questions most often asked, and answers from both school and city officials, are:

Buildings

• What is the total projected cost of the new high school with all peripherals?

The building will be value engineered to keep us in budget — $21,500,000.

• Can the high school be built in stages?

The high school cannot be built in stages; it costs much more in stages. State Facilities division has very specific (POR) Program of Requirements. Schools must be built with specific room and space requirements. When a high school is built, the performing arts center must be included with it. That is a school facilities requirement.

• Based on growth projections, when would the new high school need to be expanded/added onto/ remodeled?

The last time a millage was passed was 2006. Since then, we have used funds wisely to build over $31 million dollars without asking for a millage increase. Looking at projections the new high school will be sufficient for at least 13 years.

• Please explain again, why a second story cannot be added to the existing high school?

The Pea Ridge Planning Commission (city) will not allow the school district to build anything else on the existing high school site area. The main reason is water drainage.

• Why wasn’t the high school put next to the administration building?

The land next to the administration building is not large enough to place a 125,000-squarefoot facility with parking lots. The land is also designated to place a softball and baseball complex on it. This will keep all sports facilities in one location.

• When is the Primary School expected to be at capacity? The Intermediate? What would be the plan when that happens? Build a new Primary School? Another millage increase?

The district is in great shape with other facilities. Both Primary and Intermediate facilities are projected to have space available for several years. Based on current growth the district should be able to house elementary students for the next 12 to 13 years.

• Can the current Primary and Intermediate schools be expanded/added onto on their existing properties?

Yes.

• What is the district’s plan if the millage does not pass?

The district will continue to look at ways to utilize space but unfortunately as the population increases, the current space is

more crowded. The district has exhausted every avenue over the last 10 years by restructuring debt and utilize building fund savings to build needed school facilities. Eventually, the district will be forced to look at modular classrooms.

• Will every new building require a new administrative team?

The district will continue to follow state standard requirements and the existing staff will be able to handle the reconfiguration.

Traffic

• How will the students that need to go to the sports facilities be transported from the new high school to the old campus? By a shuttle service.

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Editor’s note: The questions and answers will be continued next week.