Ft. Larned USD 495
April 2015 Bond Project
Frequently Asked Questions
Bond Timeline
Steps taken to get to where we are today.
August 25,2014- April2015 - Bond Committee Meetings
December 8,2014 - Formal Presentation by the Bond Committee to the Board Regarding the Recommended Scope of Project and Bond Amount
December 16,2014 - Special Board of Education Meeting to discuss scope of project and financial options
January 12,2015 - USD 495 Board of Education passes resolution for calling of bond election
February - April2015 - Informational meetings with small groups and organizations
February 19,2015 - Informational meeting for community: 6:30 pm at Phinney Elementary School
March 10,2015 - Informational meeting for community: 6:30 pm at Northside Elementary School
March 29,2015 - Tour of all district buildings 1:00 pm-3:00 pm
March 29,2015 - Informational meeting for community: 3:00 pm at Hillside Elementary School
Bond Facts
- January 25 - 26, 2002 - Comprehensive Planning Committee, consensus was to reduce attendance centers by fall of 2006.
- January 13 - 14, 2006 - Blue Ribbon Planning Committee, established Long Range Goals - Build K-5 building.
- April 2008 - Failed bond attempt using "Campus Concept"
- November 2, 2013 - KASB lead Community Facility Planning and Discussion Session; 82% supported moving forward with a bond issue for new elementary school and renovation at Larned High School.
Current Structures
- PreK (3 and 4 year olds) at Hillside and Sacred Heart (rented)
- Kindergarten at Hillside Elementary - built in 1955
- 1st and 2nd Grade at Phinney Elementary - built in 1952
- 3rd and 4th Grade at Northside Elementary - built in 1965
- Tri-County Special Education Coop at old middle school - built in 1962
- Larned Middle School - built in 1996
- Larned High School - built in 1952, annex built in 1975, south wing added in 1986
What We Know
- PiperJaffray retained as Financial Advisor
- Howard and Helmer retained as Architectural Firm
- Develop proposal to build a PreK-5 Building. Sent 557 surveys home with PreK-6 students asking what type of educational structure they preferred. 337 surveys were returned (60% return rate). Of those returned, 67% preferred a PreK-5 building, 16% preferred a PreK-4 building, 15% preferred leaving as is, and 2% were undecided.
- Preliminary Cost Estimate - The preliminary cost for this building will be $17,100,000. the building will sit on a 20 acre parcel of land donated to the district. The building will be 79,173 square feet. The cost will cover construction, equipment, furniture, site development, off-site development, and engineering and architectural and engineering costs.
- Consolidation of buildings - With the passage of the bond for a PreK-5 building, the district will close three elementary schools, the old middle school and will not need to rent Sacred Heart School. The district understands that Sacred Heart is in the process of a building project of their own. The hope is that the pre-school currently housed at Sacred Heart could remain in its current location until the new elementary school is built. Part of Tri-County will be moved into the new elementary school with the remainder being housed at Larned Middle School.
- Location - Architects have stated that the base acreage needed is 10 acres and then add an acre per 100 occupancy. Ideally, the district would need 15 acres. On October 20, 2014 a community planning meeting was held to get input from patrons on the location of a new PreK-5 elementary building. Participants were asked to rank the five property options using the following rubric:
- 1 = I don't like this property and I will work against it
- 2 = I don't like this property and will not support it
- 3 = This property is not my favorite, but I can live with it
- 4 = I like this property, and I will support it
- 5 = This is the best property, and I will do anything to support it
- 191 individuals completed the rubric and assigned the following points to each property: Advent Pro
Location |
Total Score |
Avg. Score |
#5 |
#4 |
#3 |
#2 |
#1 |
Gieessel Property |
818 |
4.28 |
104 |
52 |
25 |
5 |
5 |
Chlumsky Property |
604 |
3.16 |
21 |
56 |
64 |
34 |
15 |
Rainbolt Property |
558 |
2.92 |
26 |
29 |
64 |
48 |
24 |
Baird
Property |
501 |
2.62 |
14 |
33 |
52 |
51 |
41 |
Northside |
294 |
1.53 |
0 |
5 |
22 |
45 |
118 |
- Northside = 5.8 acres and is currently owned by the district
- Baird Addition = 20+ acres, Northwest of town, to be donated by City if selected
- Rainbolt Property = 20+ acres, West of town, a cost of $120,000 ($6,000 per acre)
- Giessel Property = 20+ acres, North of town, to be gifted to the district if selected
- Chlumsky Property = 17 acres, North of Northside, a cost of $76,500 ($4,500 per acre)
At the November 10, 2014 Board of education meeting, the Board voted 6-0 in favor of placing the new PreK-5 elementary building on the 20 acres that were gifted by Tom and Sheryl Giessel. This property is located north of the old Erway Lumber between Broadway and Toles.
High School Renovations
Also at the October 20, 2014 community planning meeting, patrons were asked to rank improvements at Larned High School. These items were developed after architects from Howard and Helmer met with the high school staff. Participants were asked to rank the improvements using the following rubric:
- 1 = I don't like this idea and don't feel like it should be included on the bond
- 2 = I don't like this idea and won't vote for it
- 3 = I have mixed feelings about this item
- 4 = I like this idea and will vote for it
- 5 = This idea makes the most sense and I will definitely vote for it
179-183 individuals completed the rubric and assigned the following points to each item:
Improvement |
Total Score |
Avg. Score |
#5 |
#4 |
#3 |
#2 |
#1 |
Replace
windows with an energy efficient alternative |
795 |
4.34 |
86 |
77 |
17 |
3 |
0 |
Change
all light fixtures to an energy efficient alternative |
762 |
4.16 |
67 |
86 |
24 |
5 |
1 |
Replace
plumbing throughout building |
764 |
4.17 |
78 |
68 |
30 |
5 |
2 |
Update
electrical to increase efficiency and outlets |
778 |
4.25 |
84 |
68 |
26 |
3 |
2 |
Exterior
door replacement |
687 |
3.79 |
47 |
72 |
46 |
7 |
14 |
Build
hallway to connect main building to annex |
677 |
3.71 |
51 |
64 |
46 |
7 |
14 |
Add
A/C to gym and remaining classrooms |
758 |
4.18 |
76 |
70 |
30 |
3 |
2 |
Build
a multi-purpose storm shelter |
800 |
4.39 |
110 |
40 |
27 |
4 |
1 |
Renovate
and/or add bathrooms |
764 |
4.22 |
75 |
77 |
25 |
2 |
2 |
Upgrade
FACÕs room |
683 |
3.81 |
41 |
75 |
53 |
9 |
1 |
Upgrade
Science Rooms |
743 |
4.08 |
56 |
90 |
32 |
3 |
1 |
Upgrades
in gym and locker rooms |
716 |
3.95 |
58 |
71 |
42 |
6 |
4 |
Build
a new weight room/community fitness center |
693 |
3.82 |
74 |
43 |
37 |
13 |
14 |
The preliminary cost to perform all renovations listed above is $5,100,000. Construction of all additions are brick and block walls with steel frame roof structure, except for storm shelter which is brick and precast concrete walls and roof structure. At this time a private donor has come forward to donate $250,OOO to go towards the weight room/fitness center upon passage of the bond.
Frequently Asked Questions
The school district has been looking into the issue of improving/replacing the current attendance centers for quite some time.
In January of 2002, a Comprehensive Planning Committee comprised of community members met over two days. The consensus opinion was that the district should take steps to reduce the number of attendance centers by fall of 2006.
Four years later, January 13-14, 2006, a Blue Ribbon Planning Committee, also made up of community members, established Long Range Goals to build a K-5 building.
The recommendations of these two committees led to the bond attempt in 2008.
On November 2, 2013, a KASB (Kansas Association of School Boards) lead Community Facility Planning and Discussion Session garnered 82% agreement among the community members participating that the district should move forward with a bond issue for a new elementary school along with renovations at Larned High School.
- Northside Elementary was built in 1965.
- Phinney Elementary was built in 1952.
- Hillside Elementary was built in 1955.
- Tri-County Special Education Coop is currently housed at the old middle school, which was built in 1962.
- Larned high school was built in 1952. An annex was added with welding and auto shops along with new cafeteria facilities in 1975. A new wing to the main building was added in 1986.
As of September 19, 2014, the school district has retained a financial Advisor - Pipper Jaffray - and an architectural firm - Howard and Helmer.
A survey was also sent out to the homes of all Pre-K through 6th Grade students asking what type of educational structure they would prefer. 557 surveys were sent out with 60% of those surveys being completed and returned. Of those, 67% preferred a Pre-K through 5th grade building, 16% preferred Pre-K through 4th grade, and 15% recommended leaving the buildings as is. 2% were undecided.
Upon passage of the bond issue, the district would seek to build a new elementary schools to replaced the three existing elementary centers - Northside, Phinney, and Hillside - as well as move the 5th grade classes to the new building to create a Pre-K through 5th grade education center.
It is also proposed that Tri-County Special Education Coop would be relocated. This will close the old middle school where Tri-County is currently located and also do away with the need to rent Sacred Heart School which Tri-County utilizes for its preschool services.
Renovations to the high school are also on the table but firm decisions on exactly what this will encompass will be heavily dependent on input from the community.
Upon passage of the bond the district will attempt to sell Hillside Elementary, Phinney Elementary, Northside Elementary, and Tri-County Special Services. If, after a year on the market the buildings have not been sold, the district will raze the buildings and attempt to sell the properties. All money obtained from the sale of properties will be used to reduce the bond indebtedness of this project.
2010/11 -- K-12 = 897; K-5 = 425
2011/12 -- K-12 = 913; K-5 = 400
2012/13 -- K-12 = 908; K-5 = 406
2013/14 -- K-12 = 931; K-5 = 434
2014/15 -- K-12 = 879; K-5 = 395
*2015/16 -- K-12 = 901; K-5 = 418
*2016/17 -- K-12 = 912; K-5 = 430
*2017/18 -- K-12 = 935; K-5 = 448
K-5 does not include 3-4 year old program or "Jumpstart" program. Jumpstart is currently funded for 30 slots (15 students in morning and 15 students in the afternoon). 3-4 year old program is also limited at 15 students per session. At capacity that would be 30 students in the morning and 30 students in the afternoon. Currently this program has 43 students enrolled.
*projected enrollment is based on "Live Births" data from the Kansas Department of Health & Environment and the historical survival ratio for our district.
A conservative estimate would be $14,000 per year. This figure is based on a potential 40% savings for water/sewer, 30% savings in natural gas, and a 13% savings in electrical. These numbers are based on current expenditures for Hillside Elementary, Phinney Elementary, Northside Elementary, and Tri-County Special Services. as compared to Plum Creek Elementary in Buhler, KS. The USD 495 properties in question encompass 71,836 square feet where as Plum Creek is 71,718 square feet. Plum Creek was opened in August of 2014 and was designed by Howard and Helmer, the same architectural firm that is representing USD 495. A comparison of bills through January 2015 provided the comparison data for these estimates. The figures for Sacred Heart were not included in this comparison.
At this time the proposed cut in positions is 4.5. It is important to understand these are positions and not individuals. USD 495 is always looking for classified employees. People who are currently in the positions to be eliminated will be retained in similar positions as long as they are employees in good standing.
Renovating the four buildings currently owned by the district and making the needed additions that are proposed for the new buildings would cost an estimated $13,000,000. This figure includes renovations at the four schools in question, four new storm shelters, and a separate cafeteria/commons area with a secured control entry access in all buildings. Space at the current locations becomes an issue due to additions and the safety concerns involved in student drop off/pickup that have not been addressed. Doing this would require renovations in buildings that are occupied for the majority of the year. You do no get the savings from utilities and the reduction in salary due to the consolidation of positions under the scenario. The principal, nurse, and itinerant staff are still shared by all the elementary buildings reducing efficiency and effectiveness.
After the October community meeting the Foundation For The Future Committee took the feedback from that meeting and worked with the architect, financial advisor, and the USD 495 Board of Education to develop a proposal for this bond. Open meetings were held with the Board to discuss options and a special meeting was held on December 16, 2014 to discuss the scope of project and financial options. The Board passed a resolution on January 12, 2015 to move forward with a $22,200,000 bond to build a new PreK-5 Elementary School and renovations/additions at Larned High School. The State Board of Education granted their approval on February 10,2015.
Tentative completion date for both projects is set for August 2017. Upon passage of bond the design phase will be between 8-10 months. Bidding phase is a month and Construction up to 18 months.
Year Bond Amount State Aid Mill Levy Increase
LMS 1994 $5,800,000 22% 8.2
PreK-5/LHS 2015 $22,200,000 36% 10.9
1950's 1960's 1970's 1980's 1990's 2000's 2010's
LHS - 1952 Tri-County - 1962 LHS Annex - 1975 LHS South Wing - 1980 LMS - 1996 Failed PreK-5 Elementary
Phinney - 1952 Northside - 1965 Bond LHS Renovations
Hillside - 1955 2008
Eight Kansas architectural firms were originally considered for this project and were eventually narrowed down to four. Those four firms were selected based on positive references, background checks, and past experience with successful bond projects. These four firms were invited to interview with the district committee. Three firms accepted the opportunity to interview. Out of the three firms, two made special trips to the district prior to the interview to tour buildings and ask questions. Each firm was allocated two hours to make presentations and interact with the committee. Upon completion of the interviews, Howard and Helmer was by far the best coice for the district. The committee felt like Howard and Helmer would listen to the community and build what is would best suit our students, staff, and families.
The same basic principals were followed for the financial advisor. Three firms were invited and two accepted. Based on interviews with a district committee, Piper Jaffray was selected. Two items separated Piper jaffray from the other firm. First, their commitment to our district that we would be treated by them has a high priority and valuable partner, not just another job on their list. Secondly, their desire to think outside the box in terms of methods used in communicating with the community about the bond issue.
The Board of Education considered financial options from 20, 25, and 30 years and they elected to accept the financial parameters of a 20 year bond. The bond must be paid off within those 20 years. It is important to remember that this board paid off the bond for Larned Middle School 18 months early. As a result, 5.8 mills were removed from the budget two years earlier than originally anticipated. This was accomplished by refinancing the bond at a lower interest rate.
The district currently has a five year buying cycle for technology. All computers and technology items that are within that cycle will be repurposed in the new building and/or throughout the district. Networking items like switches and wireless access points as well as IP security cameras will also be utilized where possible/practical in the new building. If the furniture still serves a need and is in acceptable condition, it will be moved and used in the new building. Those items that are not moved to the new building will be sold or repurposed elsewhere throughout the district. The only money that is included in the bond for furniture purchases is for cafeteria furnishings and shelving in the library.
The district has paid $1,618,792 in capital improvements and maintenance in the district since 2008. The custodial staff and maintenance department works extremely hard to make sure that our buildings are safe, secure, and clean. The district has been understaffed in the custodial department for the past three years. This does have an effect on the buildings. The district continues to search for individuals that will excel in this type of position. The district will continue to maintain the buildings to serve the purpose of education our students. If you have a specific concern, please share it with the Foundation For The Future Committee.
The district is not asking for a "Crystal Palace", nor are they paying for one. The construction cost for the new PreK-5 Elementary school is a very conservative $157.00 per square foot. At this cost, the district will receive a very sound and safe structure, but by no means a state-of-the-art building. Based on figures from the 20th Annual School Construction Report, which was published in the February 2015 School Planning & Management magazine, this project is a very conservative project.
National Median $211.55 $43,493 188.0 624 84,700
Fort Larned PreK-5 $157.00 $33,203 153.7 515 79,173
Low Quartile $178.57 $28,902 149.4 552 75,000
High Quartile $267.50 $59,789 204.5 735 103,000
During 2014, interest rates were in a steady decline throughout the year and by year-end were approaching the all-time record low. The current interest rate for a 20 year "AAA" rated General Obligation Bond is 3.36%. This is close to record low rates according to the Bond Buyer 20 General Obligation Bond Index. The only period that the rates were lower was briefly during December 2012. With low interest rates, and the 36% State Aid for New Facilities, the District has placed this bond issue at an appropriate time.
The published bond amount has to be for the total amount of construction cost, which is $22,200,000. This is the amount that the State will use to provide new facility aid. The amount that local taxpayers will be responsible for is $14,208,000.
The ballot will show the Average Annual Property Tax Mill Levy Rate for Principle and Interest Payments. The total District portion without any State financial Aid will be 28.00 Mills. Total District portion with current level of State financial aid (36%) is 18.90 Mills. The district will lower their current budget by eight mills to make the total increase for this project 10.90 Mills.
Yes. The Director of Transportation is working on the plan that will continue to provide a comprehensive busing schedule between buildings and community.
In 2008, USD 495 hired Dr. Kent Stewart to perform a facility study for the district. Dr. Stewart, a retired professor from Kansas State University, has worked with over 150 school districts on evaluating, planning, modernizing, and utilizing school buildings. During his review of the district, Dr. Stewart utilized the following Life Cycle of School Buildings, derived from research by Basil Castaldi as published in his widely accepted text Educational Facilities: Planning, Modernization, and Management.
The phases in the life cycle are:
Phase I: 0-20 years - During this period, only limited capital improvement work is necessary. Most such improvements are to respond to adjustments in curriculum, teaching methods and the addition of various kinds of new instructional equipment. Minor improvements are usually necessary in the mechanical (heating and plumbing) and electrical systems.
Phase II: 21-30 years - This is a period during which roof and mechanical system work will be necessary. There will be an observable increase in the amount of maintenance work necessary to keep the building in as near original condition as possible.
Phase III: 31-40 year - When the building has reached age forty, considerable maintenance work has been done or is necessary involving the electrical, mechanical, and roof systems. Brick tuck pointing, window and door replacement, and light fixture modernization may have already been done or at least pending.
Phase IV: 41-50 years - This is a crucial period in the life of a school building. The process of deterioration is intensifying. Major work may have already been completed, but more is needed. Important questions need to be answered concerning how much longer to use the building and how much more expenditure for modernization would be prudent. More important, the building design may be such that a modern educational program now and for the future cannot be accommodated short of expense approaching replacement cost.
Phase V: 51 years and beyond - By the time a school building passes the half-century mark and is moving toward age 60, it is usually ready for retirement from service as a regular school building. School boards responsible for school buildings which are approaching 60 years of age and beyond are well advised to consider carefully the costs of modernization versus replacement. This is especially true when considering that a major modernization project will commit the old building in its present location to perhaps 30 or more year of future service.
Hillside Elementary -- 1955 -- Age 59 -- Life Phase V
Phinney Elementary -- 1952 -- Age 62 -- Life Phase V
Northside Elementary -- 1965 -- Age 50 -- Life Phase V
Tri-County -- 1962 -- Age 52 -- Age 52 -- Life Phase V
Larned High School (main building) -- 1952 -- Age 62 -- Life Phase V
Following are the capital improvements and major maintenance projects for each building since 2008:
Hillside Elementary
Roof Repairs - 2
**New Boiler
Lock Upgrade
Phone Upgrade
Steam Coils
Asbestos Removal
General Maintenance and Repair
Total Cost = $120,092
Phinney Elementary
Roof Repair
**New Boiler
Kitchen Equipment
AC Unit (kitchen)
Lock Upgrade
Phone Upgrade
Bell System
Asbestos Removal
Chimney Repair
General Maintenance and Repair
Total Cost = $190,776
Northside Elementary
Roof Repair
Lock Upgrade
Phone Upgrade
Bell System
General Maintenance and Repair
Total Cost = $126,510
Tri-County
Roof Repair
Phone Upgrade
General Maintenance and Repair
Total Cost = $42,454
Larned Middle School
Walk-in Freezer
Ice Maker
Repair Water Line
Boiler Repair
Chiller Repair
Water Boiler
Door Upgrade
Carpet Replacement
General Maintenance and Repair
Total Cost = $144,742
Larned High School
*Fire Alarm (mandated)
Gym Bleachers (liability)
Gas Line Replacement
Parking Lot Repair
Concrete Work (ADA)
Roof Repairs (3)
**New Boiler
Walk-in Freezer
Booster Heater (kitchen)
New Oven
Tankless Water Heaters (2)
Repair Waste Line
Replace Water Line Section
Air Conditioner Replacement
Replace Steam Convectors (4)
Replace Condenser (Annex)
Rooftop Heater/AC Units (5)
Flooring (Library and FACS)
General Maintenance and Repair
Total Cost = $853,629
All Schools
Security Access Control
Replace Window Units (29)
Total Cost = $140,559
GRAND TOTAL = $1,618,792
*New battery backup fire alarm system was installed at Larned High School ($75,800) as mandated by the State Fire Marshal. Similar systems will have to be installed at three elementary schools if the bond does not pass.
**The new boilers that were installed are still using existing (old) pipe and heaters.
General Maintenance and Repairs - This is made up of replacement parts and labor, yearly maintenance agreements and contracted service, day-to-day repairs and purchases, and purchases under $2,000. This does not include salary of custodial or district maintenance personnel.