Fayetteville schools make case for lots of repairs

FAYETTEVILLE — Washington Elementary School Principal Ashley McLarty knows not to leave anything in certain spots in her office when it rains. Otherwise, the item might get soaked.

Evidence of water damage can be seen in classrooms too, especially on the second floor.

“We replace tiles all the time,” McLarty said of the ceiling. “When we’ve had those really heavy rains, you could see the water coming in. So it’s a real issue in this building.”

It’s one of several issues the 85-year-old school building has, and one of many maintenance issues across the school district that will be addressed if voters approve the district’s request for a bond restructuring. Early voting begins Tuesday and the special election is Feb. 11.

The district wants voters to approve bonds in an amount of no more than $173 million. Eight bond issues would be paid off under the proposal, leaving about $111 million for maintenance and construction projects, according to district officials.

Approval wouldn’t raise the 45.65 millage rate — the 13th-highest of 235 districts in the state — nor would it raise the district’s annual debt payment, although it would extend the duration of those payments and the property taxes funding them by 15 years, according to officials.

The earliest of the eight bond issues dates to 2012. They absorb 20.65 of the district’s 45.65 mills. Those 20.65 mills would roll off in 2035 if the district’s proposal is rejected and all else stays the same, said Kevin Faught, senior vice president for Stephens, a financial services firm assisting the district.

A facility condition assessment by consultants last year provided the district a list of maintenance priorities. The bond restructuring would allow the district to upgrade mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, fix structural issues and improve lighting and accessibility at the schools. Air conditioning would be added to gymnasiums at seven schools.

In general, the older the school, the more money that would be put into it. Washington, the district’s oldest building, is scheduled for $5 million of work in the next two years, whereas the 10-year-old Butterfield Trail Elementary needs about $15,000.

The district would be able to begin numerous other construction projects as well. Nearly 40% of the money would go to construction of a school — most likely a middle school — on the district’s west side, including the cost of the land.

Another 22% of the money would go to building the Bulldog Academic and Athletic Complex, which would convert outdated athletic facilities surrounding Harmon Field into spaces serving more students, according to the district.

The complex would consist of two facilities. The Student Wellness and Academic Center would provide new and expanded restrooms and concessions, a new entrance gate configuration and new football locker rooms. It also would provide academic spaces for broadcasting, sports medicine and labs.

The Bulldog Teams Center would replace the three former Boys & Girls Club buildings, which house boys and girls cross country, boys and girls soccer, baseball, cheer and a fitness center. The teams center would include new locker rooms, storage and office space for the marching band, and a multipurpose gymnasium.

The former Boys & Girls Club buildings are in rough shape, said Superintendent John L Colbert.

“It’s time for us to do better,” Colbert said. “We need to make sure we provide top-notch facilities for the students, regardless of what they’re participating in. Of course we want the academic buildings to be great, and we’re going to do the same thing for all the extracurricular activities that we have, too.”

Other projects include installing LED lighting districtwide; resurfacing the competition track next to Ramay Junior High and building a practice track at Woodland Junior High; improving drainage at five schools; and improving accessibility and security at Ramay.

The district hosted an information session on its bond proposal at Owl Creek School on Monday night. Officials promoted the event through social media and email to parents. The only person there who wasn’t a district staff member or board member was Susan Heil, a former school board member for 17 years.

The chance to do so many projects without a millage increase is like a “gift” for the community, Heil said.

“It’s almost unheard of,” she said. “I just think it’s a wonderful opportunity. But the work that the board has done has been incredible. To start the process of auditing every facility and finding out what you need exactly, and then have a funding opportunity for that, that’s perfection.”

Another information session is scheduled for 4-5 p.m. Friday at the Fayetteville Public Library. Both last week’s and this week’s information sessions are sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. The chamber’s board last month endorsed the district’s proposal.