The projects seek to address multiple areas in the district and include a new building
By HOLLY GASKILL
In a special hearing Monday, the board for Norwell Community Schools unanimously approved a series of improvement projects.
To fund these projects, the school also approved issuing a bond for $6.105 million. The district anticipated a lower debt services rate in 2024, and this new bond will lead to a zero percent change from this year to the next. The debt service tax rate will remain at 0.4283 percent until it lowers in 2027.
The projects will address multiple major areas throughout the district, with the most expensive being renovations to Ossian Elementary School. Renovations will include the reconfiguration of classrooms for differentiated instruction, as well as new lockers, classroom cabinetry, student furniture, carpeting and painting. These renovations are expected to cost $1.8 million.
A series of athletic improvements are also outlined in the project, including a new football building and entrance, a new baseball building, weight room expansion, and softball field lights. These projects will cost $2.485 million.
The district also plans to build a new administration building for $1.2 million to provide the space needed for expanded alternative education programming and counseling support. Additionally, $470,000 was designated for equipment, technology and overall school improvement needs.
In the prospective timeline for these projects, Superintendent Mike Springer stated the schools would hope to have the baseball building and softball lights would by March, OES improvements and the weight room expansion completed by fall 2024, the football building completed by summer 2025, and the administration building completed by fall 2025.
Improvements will cost $5.995 million overall, and issuance and underwriting are expected to cost $150,000. The bonds will mature no later than January 15, 2043.
Robert Park was the only community member to speak during the hearing’s public comments. He felt the project wasn’t adequately discussed in public meetings or advertised to the community before the board’s vote.
To this, Springer stated community members had thoroughly discussed within strategic planning meetings. Board member Corey Krug noted that the meetings are advertised and open to the public.
holly@news-banner.com
