Special hearing held on JCD renovation project

Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer


Those living in the Jac-Cen-Del Community School district were given an opportunity to learn more about the proposed renovation project for the elementary and high schools in a special meeting held on Tuesday, December 1.

According to corporation attorney Tim Day, the 1028 hearing was held in accordance to Indiana law to allow those living in the school district an opportunity to ask questions regarding the project.
“A lot of preparation and hard work was put into this project,” said Superintendent Bill Narwold. He said the seeds of the project were first planted in 2003 in an effort to address the educational needs of the students.

A feasibility study highlighted the needs for the buildings from which a priority list was created and reviewed by the board. Public meetings were conducted which allowed public input regarding the needs for the school, according to Superintendent Narwold. The students as well were given an opportunity to provide input regarding their thoughts on the needs of the schools.

“We feel that there will be several benefits,” said JCD Principal Johnny Budd, regarding the proposed project. According to a study cited by Budd, students achieve higher performance in better buildings.
Renovations proposed will include the construction of science labs, a band room, and two fitness areas. The addition will provide a central location for junior high classrooms.

The current cafeteria no longer provides room enough for students during lunch hour. The proposed renovations will expand the cafeteria into the current kitchen area, with a new kitchen constructed.
The estimated total cost of the project will be $6.3 million dollars. This will result in a debt service fund tax rate of about $0.2968 per $100 of assessed value, according to Narwold.

After consideration of the information presented, the board unanimously approved both the 1028 Resolution as well as the Preliminary Determination Resolution. If there is no request for a referendum by the voters within the school corporation, the project could begin as early as summer 2010 with an anticipated completion by summer 2011.