Issue 17: Growth spurring need for additions for Columbia Schools

COLUMBIA STATION — As the district continues to grow, school officials are asking voters to approve a 4.88-mill bond issue that would mean much-needed renovations and additions to existing buildings. "This is a need and the need is now," Superintendent Graig Bansek said. The cost of the project is $38.5 million, which would be paid over 37 years. "Based on the increased enrollment and the numerous services that students require, we are out of classroom space in our buildings," Bansek said. "In order to build new or renovate buildings, we need money now to pay for builders and materials." As of Oct. 2, the district had 1,046 students from preschool through 12th grade. In 2020, there were just 887 students. "We need to find additional space," Bansek said. "Last week, we removed an office from a gym teacher to make a classroom for a small group special education class. We are in the process of building a classroom on the stage for another class. The only space we have left is the media center. We've used every available storage room and cut offices in half." The community seems to be supportive of the district's Education and Operating Efficiency Plan after several community meetings and discussions, according to Bansek. Another community meeting is scheduled for Oct. 24. "People I have talked to at different events believe it is finally time for our students to get the same opportunities that other school districts have," Bansek said. "Our high school is one of the oldest around the county." One thing for certain is that if the bond issue is rejected by voters, it will be back until it is passed. "The need is now and it is going to be the cheapest, or most efficient, now," Bansek said. "It's going to go up a minimum of $3 million to $6 million if it is not passed now due to construction costs and materials costs. Columbia's students and youth in the community, these are all of our kids and all of these facilities will be used by the community." If the bond issue is approved, design plans for Copopa Elementary include seven new classrooms, a general music room, full-size classrooms for special education, a second preschool classroom, enhanced sensory room, interactive educational technology and additional lockers. As a result, the middle school would regain classrooms currently used by Copopa, as well as see a general music room, a band room with storage, interactive educational technology, full-size classrooms for special education, and a renovated courtyard for outside learning. Plans for the high school include six new classrooms, a new stage located on the east side of the gymnasium, interactive educational technology, student collaboration area, additional lockers and full-size classrooms for special education. The plan also includes a two-story athletic complex that would be built at the Copopa Elementary and Columbia Middle School building. It would seat 900 and serve as a district-wide gym and community space. New playground equipment for the elementary and middle school students also are part of the project. "When we moved the old Copopa and built the addition onto the middle school, we did that with the enrollment and staffing number at the time," Bansek said. "We really watched our operating expenses, when teachers retired, we didn't replace them. We tried to be very careful. With our growing population, we have the need for additional teachers and we are also out of space in the middle school for additional classes. Passage of this bond issue will allow us to provide the necessary education and services for our students and community for many years to come." Bansek welcomes anyone in the community to call or stop by with any questions. "This is my 16th year as superintendent," he said. "We have a great Board of Education that works hard to make sure students and staff have what they need. We are always honest and fair with everything we do here. My office is always open for any questions." If the bond issue is approved, Bansek said the district will not need to come back to voters for operating funds for several years. "A lot of districts pass a bond issue to build and then come back in a year or two asking voters to approve an operating levy," he said. "We will not have to do that. Our five-year forecast looks good." The owner of a $100,000 home would pay $168 annually. -- Christina Jolliffe Issue 17What it is: A 4.88-mill bond levyDuration: 37 yearsHow much would it raise: $38.5 millionPurpose: To raise money for school improvementsCost to homeowner/taxpayer: The owner of a $100,000 home will pay $168 annually