FORT SCOTT — Voters in Iola aren’t the only ones in southeast Kansas who will vote on school projects next week..
Voters in Fort Scott USD 234 will head to the polls Tuesday to determine whether to approve $40 million worth of renovations to two elementary schools, the middle school and high school, as well as do improvements to the high school football stadium.
If approved, the district will build new secure entries, or relocate administrative offices so that each funnels visitors through more secure areas to gain entry into the buildings; add high-wind shelters; renovate classrooms in the two elementaries and the high school; replace some windows; and make the stadium more accessible.
District-wide improvement plans include upgrading fire alarm, security and technology systems, replacing kitchen appliances if necessary, repairing and tuckpointing masonry where necessary; upgrading exterior doors for improved ADA accessibility; repairing drive and parking surfaces; upgrading mechanical systems at the two elementary schools, and replacing the high school’s mechanical systems.
The secure entries would cost about $14.3 million district-wide, school officials estimate; while the energy improvements are pegged at almost $10 million. Another $4.8 million is earmarked for upgrading finishes in commons areas, about $3.7 million would be spent to build a new auxiliary gymnasium; and $2 million would be earmarked for classroom work and $1.6 million for renovating the high school auditorium.
Eugene Ware Elementary School is the district’s oldest building, built in 1934. The other elementary, Winfield Scott, was built in 1956. The middle school was built in 1999; the high school in 1979.
The district projects property tax levies would increase anywhere from 8.5 to 8.7 mills.
Like USD 257, the Fort Scott district would be eligible to receive 51 percent state aid to help with financing. Without the state aid, the $40 million project equated to about a 29.5-mill hike.
As with USD 257, the architects in charge of overseeing the projects are Hollis and Miller, based out of Overland Park.
If approved, the district expects the work to be completed by the start of the 2017-18 school year.
Fort Scott to vote on school renovations
