News Summary

The Iowa City Community School District is set to vote on a $104.6 million facility upgrade plan on June 10. This investment is part of a broader $270.7 million Facility Master Plan 2.0, aimed at enhancing schools over the next five years. With rising construction costs, the upgrades include new fieldhouses, outdoor improvements, and technology advancements, promoting an enriched educational environment for students.

Exciting Changes Ahead for Iowa City Schools with New $104.6 Million Investment!

Big news is buzzing around town as the Iowa City Community School District (ICCSD) Board of Directors gears up to vote on a grand facility upgrade plan worth an impressive $104.6 million. This proposal, which is set for a vote on Tuesday, June 10, is part of the district’s extensive Facility Master Plan 2.0. This plan was first laid out back in April 2022 and comes with a hefty total budget of $270.7 million.

For those keeping track, there’s about $114.7 million still remaining from the original budget, leaving plenty of resources for exciting upcoming projects. The funds for these upgrades will come from the biennial Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE) fund, ensuring that Iowa City schools will see some serious enhancements.

What’s on the Agenda?

Over the next five years, the upgrade plan will touch both primary and secondary schools, promising to bring improvements and new facilities. It’s important to note that construction costs are on the rise, increasing by about 5% annually, as mentioned by Deputy Superintendent Chase Ramey, making this investment more crucial than ever.

One of the highlight projects is the addition of new fieldhouses at Iowa City High School, Iowa City Liberty High School, and Iowa City West High School. The fieldhouses for Liberty and West will each run around $12 million, while City High’s more complex site will see costs of approximately $13.5 million. Construction for the West High fieldhouse is expected to kick off in the winter of 2025, with hopes to complete it by summer 2027.

A Closer Look at Facility Upgrades

City High won’t only see improvements in their fieldhouse. The school will also benefit from upgrades to Bates Field and Track, enhancements to the soccer field, and new lighting systems. Over at Liberty High, the soccer field will receive a much-needed makeover with new turf and lighting, alongside road reconstruction to improve access.

West High is also set to receive upgrades that will enhance its track and field facilities, plus renovations for both the baseball and softball fields. Improvements include better drainage for the soccer field. All high schools will invest in their performance art spaces—an essential aspect for theater and orchestra programs.

City High and Liberty High are looking at a combined total of $5 million for fine arts expansions, while West High is poised for a $5.5 million investment aimed at enhancing its auditorium and stage. There are also specific budget allocations for main auditorium renovations: $1.5 million for City High and $1 million for Liberty’s auditorium.

Outdoor Improvements and Technological Enhancements

The district isn’t just focused on indoor facilities. A total of $3 million is earmarked for playgrounds and outdoor classrooms, offering fresh, interactive learning environments for students. Technologically speaking, a $4 million investment is going into upgrades across the district, ensuring that students have access to the latest educational tools.

For swimming enthusiasts, there’s exciting news as well! A proposed $14.5 million investment is set for Coralville’s new aquatic center. This facility will be a game-changer for Liberty and West High swim teams, and overall, the aquatic center is projected to cost about $50 million. The district has a long-standing collaboration with Coralville Recreation, which has supported junior high and high school swim programs since 1987.

As a cherry on the top, City High will also receive a nifty $4 million update for the baseball and softball fields at Mercer Park, ensuring exclusive use of certain fields for a quarter of a century.

Looking Forward Amid Concerns

However, it’s not all smooth sailing. Some school board members have raised concerns about the overall costs, especially with economic uncertainties in the air. They pointed out that future members won’t gain access to SAVE funds until fiscal year 2048—something to keep in mind as they look ahead.

Despite these concerns, there’s a feeling of optimism regarding funding. As pointed out, construction costs tend to rise over time. Thankfully, previous construction projects have maintained solid financial management, staying under budget.

So, get ready, Iowa City! Big changes are on the way, ensuring a brighter, more refined future for all schools in the district.

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