SPS moves forward with bond

State funding for education continues to be a concern at Stillwater Public Schools, but administrators and the board of education also have their eyes focused on future construction and renovation projects.

The board discussed both topics and several others during a special meeting followed by the regular board meeting Tuesday at the district office.

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Superintendent Marc Moore said that earlier this year, the district learned their state allocation was cut by $404,000. The state is also behind on paying SPS another $118,000.

"We are anticipating further cuts, said Phillip Storm, the district's chief financial officer.

Storm estimates a second budget reduction of up to $250,000 in addition to the $404,000 could occur before the fiscal year ends June 30.

Despite that, Storm said the district could still hit revenue projections for the year because they planned for reductions and budgeted accordingly.

Since voters approved two SPS bonds totaling $74 million in February, the district has been moving forward with their first two projects.

The board discussed moving forward with purchasing 12 homes to make room for a new two-story Westwood Elementary school.

Construction of the $25.5 million school with capacity for 600 students is scheduled to begin in February 2018 with completion in June 2019.

The district plans to lease-purchase the school, which allows two projects to begin at the same time.

Construction work on the $5 million Sangre Ridge Elementary remodel and renovation project is scheduled to begin February 2018 and finish in December 2018. Some of the things Sangre Ridge will see include a new gymnasium, a stage, two classroom spaces, the library will move to the current cafeteria and the cafeteria will move to the current gymnasium.

The board passed a resolution bringing them one step closer to selling the first $8 million of the $74 million in bond funding.

"This is a big step," said board member Eric Gudgel. "I'm really excited to be moving forward with the bond.

The board also moved forward to solicit bids for the Westwood project. Those bids are due May 9 and should be discussed at the board meeting that evening.

The board also voted to move forward with selling $15 million from the 2011 bond to pay off Highland Park Elementary.

The $1.5 million agriculture facility project, which is the last remaining project from the 2011 bond, is moving forward and should be complete in six months.

Two longtime educators also announced via the board packet their plans to retire in June.

Gay Washington, assistant superintendent of educational services, and Frank McClain, assistant principal at Stillwater High School.

McClain has been with the district 40 years and Washington 32 years.

"There are great things happening in Stillwater Public Schools and I know that will continue because of the people we have and the community support," Washington said.

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