Public Information Meeting on the Mt. Pulaski High School Proposed Addition

Aug. 24, 7:30 - 9:30 pm

       The meeting was attended by about 60 people.  All board members were in attendance and appeared to be unified in the new proposal to add a must-needed cafeteria as well as two new classrooms, an elevator, bleachers, mechanical equipment room, and modernization of the science facilities.  The Health/Life Safety code requirements include the need for new main gymnasium bleachers as well as a new cafeteria.  It was pointed out that the current cafeteria does not meet state code and must be addressed during the coming 2005 - 2006 school year.  A firewall that separates the cafeteria kitchen from the rest of the building is required.

       Most of the board members spoke on various topics of the proposal, with the more technical questions concerning the new addition being answered by the architect.  The architect also fielded questions in regards to the Health/Life Safety improvements.  He also pointed out that the old building (constructed in 1912) is in very good condition and would not have to be replaced at this time or in the near future.  With continued upkeep, the old building could last 20 - 40 more years, minimum.  However,  what would probably dictate the need for the eventual replacement of the old building somewhere down the road would not necessarily be the condition of the bricks and mortar but rather the layout of the classrooms and hallways in respect to size and accessibility issues.

       In the final analysis, the general consensus is not to pour good money into an old structure, but to spend the new money for a quality addition that would do the following:

              a) meet state code for several Health/Safety issues
              b) provide a much needed larger space for student meals
              c) provide an elevator 
              d) provide new equipment for the cafeteria, home-economics and science facilities
              e) enhance the overall appearance, accessibility, and usability of the school
              f) provide a large cafeteria space for the public to utilize during non-school hours
              g) provide a new mechanical equipment room
              h) remodeled and expanded restrooms
              i) new bleachers for the main gymnasium

       The cost of such a project would require approximately a 15 cent tax increase (see project information sheet).  A lower interest could be implemented, but which would add more years to the debt payment due to the increase in interest costs.  One of the cost-effectiveness goals of this project would be to pay off the bond after 8-10 years.  It was noted that the Mt. Pulaski School District does not have any debt at this time.

       There were several in attendance who questioned the exact location of the project.  A couple of others questioned the cost and what it would do to their taxes.  Another questioned the timing,
since there was another request for a large roof expense for the Elkhart Grade School.  It was noted that the most important part of a structure is its roof and that to keep the overall value of an otherwise excellent structure was to maintain the roof integrity.  

       On the other hand, many spoke in favor of the MPHS project, noting that it would be money well-spent both in regards to the students and faculty as well as addressing the overall goal of providing a more up-to-date high school, which would appeal to new families looking for a place to live and raise their children in and around Mt. Pulaski.  It was added that most area residents have always had a lot of pride in their schools and, therefore, such a project would be something that the people of the Mt. Pulaski high school district would be willing to undertake as a temporary sacrifice in the form of higher taxes in order to achieve such an excellent addition to the high school. 

       There was a group that would like to see the issue on the ballot in the form of either an advisory referendum or a bond issue.  But, some others questioned the expense of such ballot procedures.

< click on this link for the project information sheet handed out at the meeting>