Dayton School District Approves $800,000 Capital Projects Levy

DAYTON—A special meeting was held on Dec. 6 in the school district board room to discuss how the Dayton School District can best meet some newly-identified school facility needs as well as how to finish currently-identified facilities projects.

Superintendent Doug Johnson said due to the increasing cost and scope of the projects the current capital project levy falls short of being able to complete all of the projects.

“In addition to the projects already on the table, the heating system, district-wide, has become very problematic,” he said.

Johnson’s recommendation to the board is that a two-year capital project levy be placed on the Feb. 2018 ballot, asking for $400,000, to be collected in 2019 and in 2020. The funds will allow the district to complete the projects already identified and make the necessary improvements to the heating system, which are substantial, he said.

“I come to school with my fingers crossed that we have heat,” Johnson said.

Johnson said projects identified in the 2016 capital levy yet to be finished are: replacement of roofs, in particular the high school gym roof, phones and communication system, surveillance cameras, exterior doors and irrigation projects.

New projects are: main boiler number two, ag shop boiler, wood shop/bus barn boiler, hot water heater and heating system controls.

Johnson said the estimated total cost for all projects is $1,065,000.00.

He said collections from the current capital levy will fall short of the total needed by $652,500.

“Approval of the proposed capital levy would provide an additional $800,000 in funds and allow all of the projects to be completed, with an acceptable contingency fund. Repairs and upgrades would take place over the next three years with the last of the projects completed in the summer of 2020. The high school roof, and at least some of the parts of the heating system would be done in the summer of 2018, barring any failures between now, and then,” Johnson said.

If support of the February Capital Projects Levy fails, the district would be left with only $412,500 for needed repairs, Johnson said.

“Decisions would be made regarding which projects to take off the table,” he said.

The Board of Directors emphasized the importance of funding for current needs as well as the need for a larger vision.

In 2013, a Washington State Study and Survey identified these priorities for the district:

*Prior renovations to electrical, plumbing, roofing and HVAC are past their life expectancy.

*Building safety and security needs are far different from when renovations were completed in 1984.

*Instructional needs: including undersized classrooms, science labs, special education facilities, and auditorium or performance space needs.

*Significant changes to safety and ADA codes including fire sprinkler systems, alarms, communications, and accessibility.

*Need for additional physical education and athletic space, primarily for elementary and middle school students, and upgrades to the high school girls locker room facilities.

*Early learning opportunities (pre-school and kindergarten instructional spaces).

In 2013, the district and a committee made up of interested citizens identified a district-wide renovation and construction project. However, the resulting bond proposal was defeated in 2014, Johnson said.

Voters passed the current two-year capital projects levy in February 2016.

At the end of the Dec. 6 meeting the Board of Directors approved Resolution 2017-03 Capital Project Levy which will appear on the February ballot.

There will be a Special Meeting on Jan. 24, 2018, for the district to receive input from the community, Johnson said.