Now that Emporia voters have approved a $78 million bond for facility improvements and the USD 253 Board of Education has formally given its stamp of approval, district administration is charting the path forward for the actual work ahead.
The monthly Showcase with Superintendent Kevin Case was dedicated to the overall project timeline from bond issuance to construction. On the bond, Piper Jaffray Managing Director Dustin Avey said interest rates dropped from around 4 percent to around 3.5 percent as the year continued, meaning $10 million less in bond payments than originally expected. He’s looking to lock in the new rates this week.
McCownGordon and HTK Architects are now working on what’s called a bond schedule. McCownGordon Project Manager Eric Woltje says the immediate goal is prioritizing all the projects at Emporia schools.
HTK Architects associate Zach Snethen says developers are gearing up for what he calls the “implementation phase” after months of study and discussions with district administrators, staff and patrons. He says more discussions are coming soon.
The bond will ultimately lead to renovated or new classroom space, safety and security enhancements, more opportunities for special needs students and a new early learning facility to replace Maynard. Understandably, Case says staffers are hoping their projects can climb the priority ladder as work takes place over the next three years.
The district has more project information online at www.usd253.org. People can call 341-2200 with questions.
