December 15, 2022 | Issue #15

Facility and Grounds Study Results

In two previous newsletter articles Aging Infrastructure and Mill Rate, the topic of facility and grounds maintenance was shared with the public.

The Board of Education approved hiring NEXUS Solutions to perform a complete study of the facility and grounds. The need for extra square footage for classroom space was not, and continues to not, be part of the study.

The findings of this study were completed and shared with the Board of Education on November 15, 2022. In general, the key areas identified are broken down categorically as follows:

Mechanical Systems: HVAC and mechanical updates, add air conditioning to existing classrooms, install Molybdenum filtration system and supply to new electric water coolers and kitchen, and 1965 sanitary sewer replacement.

Electrical and Technology Systems: LED lighting upgrade throughout the building and exterior with an estimated return on investment to significantly decrease utility costs, electrical power system upgrades, keyless entry and camera upgrades to improve upon safety and security, fire alarm system upgrades, IT/data/phone and PA system upgrades.

Exterior Maintenance: Single-pane window replacements with energy efficient windows, building envelope repairs including tuck pointing, fixing cracking, and upgrade of sealants.

Interior Maintenance: Aging flooring including asbestos abatement, ceiling, door, and casework replacements, 2007 gym floor refinishing, bathroom remodel to meet needs of current students, ADA ramp installation.

Educational Adequacy & Site Improvements: Car pick up/drop off loop revisions, traffic flow and parking improvements, surface and stormwater drainage improvements, special education spaces (remodel existing), maintenance centralized storage and receiving addition.

Grand totally, NEXUS identified nearly $22 million in current and future needs. However, this number was quickly and significantly reduced to approximately $12.9 million.  

Part of the wisdom of this facility and grounds study was to determine not only current needs, but to help the Board of Education and decision makers plan for the future as well. For example, roofing can be a very expensive item to maintain and budget for. Fortunately, the study revealed that our roofs are in good condition and do not need immediate needs.

As such, roofing maintenance is something the district is planning for a decade or more from now.

The categories explained in general terms above, are broken down with costs as follows below:

I suspect that the public agrees having an overall picture and plan for facility and grounds maintenance is wise.  The bigger question, however, is what do we do now with this information?

During the month of December, a third party will be completing random phone calls to citizens living in the Yorkville JT #2 School District.  

The Board of Education will use the results of this survey, the results of the facility and grounds study, budget projections, and other pertinent information to make decisions regarding how to move forward with a plan.

I promise to keep the public informed and included.  Please look for future information regarding public forums, newsletters, and of course, please check out our website: Yorkville JT #2 School District. Click on the spot that says Facility Assessment Study.

You will also see a detailed 80+ page Facility Assessment Report.

If you have any questions or comments, it is beneficial to me to hear from you.  My email address is mark.rollefson@yorkville.k12.wi.us.