Build new or renovate?
When it comes to Maynard Early Childhood Center, the recommendation is to build new.
KVOE News told you about the Early Learning Task Force’s recommendations as part of the USD 253 Board of Education’s regular meeting Wednesday night, and district administrators and task force members joined KVOE’s 8:05 am newscast Friday to elaborate. Principal Keva Scheib says her main concerns include building safety, especially when it comes to severe weather, and meeting the current demand for special needs students.
Task force member Jami Reever says she’s amazed by the work teachers, administrators and support staff do at Maynard, given the building’s limitations. She mentioned something simple — bathroom breaks — as an example.
Task force member Erin Woods says the current building is aging — it was built in the 1950s — and it simply doesn’t serve student needs the way a new building could, even with recent additions like a new crosswalk at South and Constitution and a relatively new playground bought through grant money provided by the Clint Bowyer 79 Fund.
Executive Director of Elementary Education Vicki Schweinler says the concerns expressed by the task force are shared by district leadership and the board.
The district is currently preparing for a vote on a $78 million facility enhancement bond. Renovation costs are estimated at around $7 million, while a new facility could cost around $9 million. Assistant Superintendent for Business Operations Rob Scheib says both renovation and new construction would be covered by the bond if voters approve it Sept. 5. The district may have to adjust money in its capital outlay fund, but the overall bond amount will not change regardless of how the board moves on Maynard.
It is now up to the board to determine whether to move forward with the recommendations — and if it does, where the new facility will be built. Also part of future discussions could be whether to repurpose Maynard or perhaps sell the property if the board approves a new facility.
