Decatur Public Schools

1Gloria Introduction 2Summary Report: Broader Community Engagement March 23, 2010 2

PattiSupt. Davis, President Winter, Members of the Board and Decatur Community thank you for the opportunity to present an update from the Facilitating Team of the Decatur High School Task Force. More than a year ago the High school task force began an initiative to evaluate the inadequacies of our existing high school facilities, review educational trends and best practices for high school education and develop solutions to address facility challenges in our high schools as established in the districts Strategic Plan. In October of 2009 we presented the findings of the High School Task Force to you. We presented 4 possible options for consideration. We were then given direction from the Board to begin the Broader Community Engagement Phase. This phase was developed to educate parents and community members about the options developed by the Task Force and gather feedback and input from the community regarding these options. These options included renovations to existing facilities, new construction with a one campus concept and conversion of SDMS to a high school. There was also a DO NOTHING for educational adequacy option for consideration. The objective of this phase was to provide information, identify the strongest option or options most favored by the community. It was also a goal of this phase to collect feedback regarding those options. Presentation Agenda

Broader Community Engagement FeedbackPublic Opinion SurveyFinance Committee UpdateRevised PlansDraft Recommendations3

PATTI4BROADER COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FEEDBACK

4PATTI

Communications

Channel 22Brochure/MailerDVDHerald & ReviewLocal TelevisionWANDWCIAWICSRadio Cromwell Neuhoff

5PattiCommunity Outreach and Listeners Bureau6

Staff Presentations/Family Nights/EventsOne Voice/Church Presentations Business/Chamber PartnershipsCommunity Open Houses/MediaService Clubs/Community GroupsPatti

Key Findings & Feedback

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PattiFeedback: option preferences8

Patti9

OPTION 1: RENOVATIONRemodel our existing facilities to become two, state-of-the-art high school campuses and build a technical academy on a new site.

PattiOPTION 1: RENOVATIONFeedback Comments10

Maintains the tradition of two high schools in the Decatur communityDecatur Public Schools high schools must be updated; technology upgradesMost cost effective option; offers significant improvementsEncourages spirit of growth and sends a positive message about DecaturAllows for major improvements to each high school; maintain parity between schoolsPattiOffers greater accessibility; located in the neighborhoods where students liveKeeps quality, established teachers/staff at each locationStudents perform better academically and socially in smaller environments; more individual attention and opportunitiesMakes the most sense overall; utilize what we already have; no need to purchase additional landKeeps athletic and extracurricular programs at both schools

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OPTION 1: RENOVATIONFeedback CommentsPattiTwo schools would offer greater opportunities for participation in sports, music, theater and extracurricular programsKeeps kids (and parents) in their comfort zoneEach high school has its own history/legacy; celebrate itNo decisions would need to be made about vacant buildings; buildings would remain open during remodelingEncourages friendly rivalry between campuses and school pride12

OPTION 1: RENOVATIONFeedback CommentsPatti13

OPTION 2: NEW CONSTRUCTIONBuild one high school campus on a new site to help support growing academic requirements. The school would feature four wings, each named to reflect the heritage of Decatur Public Schools: MacArthur, Eisenhower, Stephen Decatur and Lakeview. The Technical Academy would be built on a separate site in the District. PattiAllows for more teachers per department; aligned curriculum; special academies under one roofEncourages competition among students which can lead to higher test scores, improved athletic programs, etc.Less disruptive than remodel optionMust be centrally located

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OPTION 2: NEW CONSTRUCTIONFeedback CommentsPattiLeast expensive option in the long run; lower maintenance and personnel costsAllows the District to design a comprehensive building to meet student needsMost proactive approach; state-of-the-art; offers room to expandCreates a clean slate in Decatur; equal opportunity for ALL students15

OPTION 2: NEW CONSTRUCTIONFeedback CommentsPattiRemodeling option is essentially a Band-aid approach; the buildings are very old and current needs too extremeA new, modern building sends a positive message to students and is attractive to potential residentsCreates a more diverse student bodyHonors the four previous high schools16

OPTION 2: NEW CONSTRUCTIONFeedback CommentsPatti17

OPTION 3: STEPHEN DECATUR CONVERSIONRemodel and expand Stephen Decatur Middle School to become a single high school campus, and build a new Technical Academy on a separate site. PattiStephen Decatur Middle School was designed as a high school and should be used as a high school; large campus with athletic fieldsHandicapped accessible (one floor)Ample parking and effective traffic control District already owns the land18

OPTION 3: SDMS CONVERSIONFeedback CommentsPatti

Less costly to renovate Stephen Decatur Middle School than MacArthur High School/Eisenhower High School, especially in down-turned economy; irresponsible to build newClose proximity to Richland Community College; dual credit opportunities One high school, named Stephen Decatur would unify community and be a morale booster to studentsOffers stronger, more competitive academics, athletics19OPTION 3: SDMS CONVERSIONFeedback CommentsPatti20

OPTION 4: DO NOTHING (FOR EDUCATIONAL ADEQUACY) This option is labeled Do Nothing because nothing will be done to significantly improve or change the academic environment for 21st century teaching and learning. Rather, this option outlines projects and costs for simply replacing failing systems and making required Health/Life Safety upgrades. These are costs that would be incurred by the District to maintain facilities.PattiAll of the options are unacceptable in the current economy; dont spend money you dont haveBring existing buildings up to code and update when money is availableMaintenance efforts have been lacking over the yearsUse the money to recruit quality teachers; the problem isnt the building; its the staff21

OPTION 4: DO NOTHINGFeedback CommentsPattiBe proactiveKeep classes smallMaintain civic pride Consider importance of locationOffer more information regarding two schools vs one school concept

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RECURRING COMMENTSFROM ALL OPTIONSPattiSafety and security is a priorityWe must invest in our children send a positive messageMust maintain parity among schools; whatever option is selectedUse Green technologies when building/renovating

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RECURRING COMMENTSFROM ALL OPTIONSPatti24PUBLIC OPINION SURVEY RESULTS24

ROD

Survey Results

25Decatur Public School District 6125RodMethodology26Survey Work February 2010

500 Interviews were conducted from random sample of registered voter households

Margin of Error - 4.4%RodStatements on Public Issues27

Rod

Total agree: 68.0%Total disagree: 27.0%28DPS SCHOOLS PROTECTPROPERTY INVESTMENT

RodINVESTMENT IN DPS SCHOOLS29

Total agree: 73.4%Total disagree: 23.6%RodLevel of Awareness and Need for Facility Improvements30

Rod31

Informed about Decatur Public SchoolsRod

Very/Somewhat: 56.6%Not very: 42.6%Awareness of Decision4Decatur32Rod

Excellent/good: 37.8%Not good/poor: 53.4%Rating Building Conditions33Rod

Need for Improving Facilities34Rod

Make improvements now or wait a few years35ROD

Sales or Property Tax Increase36RodPossible Options37

Rod

38Total agree: 73.8%Total disagree: 23.6%Make improvements to high schoolsRod

Single or two high school campus39RodFacility Options40FavorOppose%%58. First is renovation, expansion and repair of the two existing high schools. 58.6%38.0%59. Second is building a single new high school at a new site. 18.2%79.8%60. Third is a single new high school at Stephen Decatur33.6%63.0%61. Four is repair work at the two high schools with no improvements for education programming. 36.4%59.4%Rod

41Total agree: 56.8%Total disagree: 42.0%Sales TaxRod42

FINANCE COMMITTEE UPDATE42

DAVE

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Finance Committee DaveFinance Committee Members 44

Dave WeberPresident - Busey Bank, Chair and Tri-Chair of Decision4DecaturGloria J. DavisSuperintendent - Decatur Public Schools Dan WinterPresident - Decatur Public Schools Board of EducationBecky BlountDirector of Business Affairs - Decatur Public SchoolsDebbie AlexanderChief Communications Officer Decatur Public SchoolsGreg CroweAssistant City Manager for Development Services - City of DecaturRon DraneExecutive Vice-President of Wealth Advisory - Busey Bank Jay DunnMacon County Board ChairKevin HeidSenior Vice-President - First MidStateSam JohnsonPrincipal BLDDJohn PhillipsMember Decision4DecaturTroy SwinfordPartner - BKD, LLPDaveFinance Committee

The committee began meeting on December 10, due to the need to address specific questions surrounding the funding approaches to accomplish the goals of this initiative.

Definite amounts and costs were a factor in the discussions and work related to the Task Force.

The purpose defined as investigating funding approaches for the proposals by the Decatur High School Task Force.

Discussions began based on the feasibility of funding: bonds, county sales tax, and government grants.

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Dave46

REVISED BUDGETS46In an effort to work toward affordability, options were modified.

DAVE47

OPTION 1: RENOVATION

Remodel our existing facilities to become two, state-of-the-art high school campuses and build a technical academy on a new site.

DAVE Initial Estimate $103 MEstimated Cost of Decatur Area Technical Academy-$26MEstimated Cost of High School Renovation$77MRefinancing of Existing School Bonds-$13MFinancing Needed$64MSales Tax Revenue (80%)-$57MProperty Tax or Reconfigure (Funds Still Needed) $7M48

Option 1: Renovation Cost ModificationDAVE49

OPTION 2: NEW CONSTRUCTION

Build one high school campus on a new site to help support growing academic requirements. The school would feature four wings, each named to reflect the heritage of DPS: MacArthur, Eisenhower, Stephen Decatur and Lakeview. The Technical Academy would be built on a separate site in the District.

DAVEInitial Estimate$118 MEstimated Cost of Tech Academy-$26 MEstimated Cost of High School Renovation$92 MRefinancing of Existing School Bonds-$13 MFinancing Needed $79 M Sales Tax Revenue (80%)-$57 MProperty Tax or Reconfigure (Funds Still Needed) $22 M 50

Land acquisition would be an additional cost. Option 2: New Construction Cost ModificationDAVE51

OPTION 3: STEPHEN DECATUR CONVERSION

Remodel and expand Stephen Decatur Middle School to become a single high school campus, and build a new Technical Academy on a separate site.

DAVE Initial Estimate$107 M Estimated Cost of Decatur Area Technical Academy-$26 MEstimated Cost of High School Renovation$81 M Refinancing of Existing School Bonds-$13 MFinancing Needed$68 MSales Tax Revenue (80%)-$57 MProperty Tax or Reconfigure (Funds Still Needed) $11 M52

Option 3: SDMS CONVERSION Cost ModificationDAVE53

OPTION 4 DO NOTHING (FOR EDUCATIONAL ADEQUACY)

This option is labeled Do Nothing because nothing will be done to significantly improve or change the academic environment for 21st century teaching and learning. Rather, this option outlines projects and costs for simply replacing failing systems and making required Health/Life Safety upgrades. These are costs that would be incurred by the District to maintain facilities.

DAVEInitial Estimate$48 MEstimated Cost of High School Maintenance

$48 MProperty Tax

$48 MHealth /Life Safety

$48 MHealth/Life Safety Bonds can be issued without a Property Tax Referendum.

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Option 4: Do Nothing DAVEOption 1: RenovationTOTAL AREA(square feet): 439,950TOTAL COST: $70,387,923

Revised estimate:

TOTAL AREA(square feet): 613,882 TOTAL COST: $103,708,522

Prior estimate:

55SAM55

Option 1: Renovation - EHS

56SAM56

Option 1: Renovation - MHS

57SAM57Option 2: New Construction* Land acquisition cost not included.TOTAL AREA(square feet): 345,000TOTAL COST: $77,590,293*

Revised estimate:

TOTAL AREA(square feet): 532,125TOTAL COST: $118,595,143*

Prior estimate:

58SAM58Option 2: New Construction

59SAM59Option 3: Stephen Decatur Conversion* Cost includes the price to remodel existing district space into a middle school.TOTAL AREA(square feet): 352,080TOTAL COST: $76,566,044*

Revised estimate:

TOTAL AREA(square feet): 473,650 TOTAL COST: $107,372,437*

Prior estimate:

60SAM60

Option 3: Stephen Decatur Conversion

61SAM6162

DRAFT RECOMMENDATIONS62

DAVEPreferred option(S)

Option 1 - Renovation

Remodel our existing facilities to become two, state-of-the-art high school campuses.

Option 3 - Stephen Decatur Conversion Remodel and expand Stephen Decatur Middle School to become a single high school campus. 63

DavefundingReferendum

November 2, 2010

One percent (1%) Sales Tax

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DaveTechnical academy65

Separate Decatur Area Technical Academy from the High School Initiative

Include 13 surrounding districts as well as Richland Community Collegein collaborative decisionCounty-wide engagement effort DaveQuestions66