FAQs

ELECTION INFORMATION & QUESTIONS

• Election by mail only

• Ballots mailed out Feb. 22-23

• Voter reg. by mail deadline Feb. 25/in person by Mar. 4

• Special Election information is available on the Burt Co. Election Commission web page – www.burtcounty.ne.gov

• Ballots must be signed and returned by Mar. 15, 2022 at 5:00 pm to the County Courthouse in your county of residence:

Burt County Courthouse

111 North 13^th Street

Tekamah, NE 68061

Cumming County Courthouse

200 S Lincoln Street

West Point, NE 68788

Thurston County Courthouse

106 5^th Street

Pender, NE 68047

Why mail-in ballot vs. in-person?

The Board requested a mail-in ballot because of it’s an efficient and cost effective process, it protects the health and safety of voters during the Covid-19 pandemic, and it provides significant time for voters to make their decision.

Why hold the election now and why is the process moving so fast?

• LB2 went into affect on January 1, 2022 and provides property tax relief for ag-land owners.

• New facilities have been an on-going discussion for years and the Board determined the timing was ripe for holding the bond election.

• Bond interest rates are very low.

• A successful bond in March will start the design and construction process that will 1) not significantly disrupt the 2022/2023 school year and 2) enable construction to be complete by Fall 2024 for the start of the school year.

School Facility Questions

Will the old "1907" building be demolished?

Yes, it will be demolished after the new addition is constructed.

Will the existing locker rooms be renovated?

No

Are all the SPED rooms on the plan new?

Yes, they are new and there are SPED rooms for both elementary and high school students.

Is the “media center” the library? Will it be used for elementary and high school?

Yes, media center is the new terminology for the library. It will be expanded and used for both elementary and high school students.

Are the new locker rooms for both boys and girls?

Yes. They are located east of the new gym.

What is the “training room” used for?

The training room is used for treating injuries, taping ankles, etc.

What happens to the Quonset hut on the south side of the new elementary wing?

This building is in disrepair and it will be demolished.

What are the “resource rooms” used for? Is there glass on the walls?

The resource rooms are used by teachers and students for breakout study groups, students that need individual attention, or small gathering spaces. The rooms will have partial glass walls for visibility.

What renovations will be done to the Ag, Shop, Arts, Industrial Tech building?

The biggest renovations will be to add a large art classroom to the building to replace the art classroom in the old building

Will the entries be secured?

Yes, the entries will be secured and monitored. The main entry near the elementary edition will route visitors through the administrative offices and not provide direct access to classrooms.

Will there be a fence around the pre-school?

Yes

Do we need a competition gym?

• Yes, the new competition gym will replace the gym that will be demolished in the old building.

• Gyms not only serve needs of numerous athletic programs for practice and competition, but they are used for classrooms for physical education, music and drama practices and programs, recess on inclement weather days, school assemblies and community events.

• Gyms are the largest gathering spaces in the school and serve multiple functions.

What facility improvement are planned for arts, music, and drama programs?

In addition to the new art classroom, arts, music and drama classes, practices and programs may be held in the old gym and in the commons area. Building a new gym will free up time that the stage in the old gym may be used for music and drama.

What enrollment are we planning/building for?

• Current enrollment is 271 and enrollment for 2022/2023 is expected to be 272.

• Forecasts indicate stable enrollment for the next 5 years.

How many new students can the new additions accommodate?

• The new addition can handle growth projected growth.

• Additional space enhances educational opportunities for all students

What will you use space for where old building is now when it’s demolished?

Space needs will be evaluated but it may be used for practice space, parking or a playground.

Design, Construction, & Cost Estimate Questions

How were the cost estimates determined, and how does inflation and increasing costs of construction materials impact cost estimates?

• Cost estimates based on recent historical data and on projections for going to bid in Fall 2022.

• Since 2019, costs have increased approximately 24% for this type of construction in this region.

If the bond doesn’t pass, what are other options?

• The options include full or partial renovation, reduce scope, address health, safety, education needs in an incremental, slower process.

• Renovation kicks in code compliance, which is very expensive. Renovation estimates range from $2-$3M for code compliance only to $6-$7M for full renovation.

What is the design and construction schedule?

If the bond passes in March, design will start immediately and take 5-6 months; bidding will be in Fall 2022, construction will begin Fall/Winter 2022 and will be completed in late Summer 2024.

Community Impact

What will the investment in the district do for the community?

• Potential impacts may be to stabilize enrollment, reduce opt out, attract new families to the district, and to strengthen community pride.

• Good investment for the future – for kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews.

• Educates and trains the future work force, encourages people to stay and invest in the district.