OFFICIAL: “DC West Bond Election” HISTORY - The Facts The bond issue history began over two years ago over concerns about deteriorating buildings at the Valley and Waterloo campuses, state and federal code violations and infrastructure problems amid 4% annual enrollment growth. The Board of Education hired an Architect to develop a district-wide master plan. The Architect worked with the Administration, Board and around 50 citizens in studying goals, facility status, and priorities. Several design options were considered, including a one-campus scenario, and a complete remodel scenario. In the end, the current plan of action was determined to be the best district solution. The district hired construction professionals to confirm the work scope and determine the costs to ensure that the plan provides - the most community value.
PROP A - The Facts WHAT IT WOULD DO - FOR OUR SCHOOLS - IN VALLEY & WATERLOO? The current DC West Community Schools Bond Issue, Proposition A is about basic facility needs for our children, teachers and support staff: Update Fire Code for safety and prevention Storm Shelters for protection during severe weather ADA Compliance in all restrooms, locker rooms, and other areas so people with disabilities can access Replacement and/or additions to HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems that are outdated Secured entrances, integrated camera surveillance, and campus wide public announcement systems Additional square footage to accommodate enrollment Repurpose usable spaces of current facilities Realign grades with DC West Preschool & Elementary on the Waterloo campus, and the Middle School & High School would be paired together in Valley
Official District Fact Sheet | DC West Community Schools | Bond Issue Election Sept. 15, 2015 401 Pine Street, Valley Neb. 68064 | Superintendent’s Office: 402-359-2583
PROP A - The Facts Replacing Old Classrooms Amid 4% Annual Growth Proposition A provides funding for a combination of renovation and new construction to replace old classrooms that are too far deteriorated for repair. Most were built in the 1950s. Prop A also allows for some construction of additional classrooms to accommodate enrollment growth. The detailed floor plans are available on the facilities tab of the dcwest.org school website.
PROP A - The Facts CLASSROOM SPACE The following is a summary of classroom spaces proposed in Proposition A. Renovate 33 Valley classrooms Renovate 17 Waterloo classrooms Replace 13 Valley classrooms Replace 10 Waterloo classrooms Add 2 classrooms in Valley Add 4 classrooms in Waterloo Classroom count was determined by desired student-to-staff ratios, i.e., 20 students per teacher at elementary school level, and 25 students per teacher at middle & high school levels - we presently have. If enrollment continues on the upswing as we predict, under Prop A, classrooms would be able to handle a maximum 25 elementary students per teacher, and 30 middle & high school students for every teacher. Proposition A would increase total square footage at both campuses allowing DC West to handle a maximum 1807 students by 2030, as our enrollment projections indicate should occur.
Official District Fact Sheet | DC West Community Schools | Bond Issue Election Sept. 15, 2015 401 Pine Street, Valley Neb. 68064 | Superintendent’s Office: 402-359-2583
ACTUAL ENROLLMENT #’S - The Facts The following are actual enrollment numbers for the entire school district including ALL Preschool-12th Grade - factual data that DC West Schools is required by law to report yearly to the Nebraska Department of Education, who is our accountability and oversight agency. Numbers fluctuate. Here is the latest enrollment count as of Aug. 26, 2015. * 2015 elementary school enrollment= Up 9% with 309 total students
PROP A - The Facts MORE SPACE FOR NOW & THE FUTURE The new DC West facilities plan under Proposition A would increase space to 268,724 square feet, which would be 149 SF per student at maximum capacity. Included in the 268,724 square feet are the district offices for the superintendent, maintenance, and food service.
PROP B - The Facts NEW ADDITIONS VALLEY CAMPUS Proposition B would allow for an additional 30,873 square feet for physical education and Fine Arts additions that would include a district auditorium, multipurpose area, music classrooms and locker rooms.
Official District Fact Sheet | DC West Community Schools | Bond Issue Election Sept. 15, 2015 401 Pine Street, Valley Neb. 68064 | Superintendent’s Office: 402-359-2583
Prop A and/or PROP B - The Facts COMMUNITY INVESTMENT Proposition A= $38.85 Million = $21.84/mo. for a $100,000 house Proposition B= $7.1 Million = $3.96/mo. for a $100,000 house
* Proposition B may only pass if voters approve Proposition A on Sept. 15, 2015
PROPERTY TAX LEVY COMPARISON - The Facts NEIGHBORING DISTRICT BOND LEVIES Here are cost comparisons with neighboring districts’ current bond indebtedness - data collected from the Nebraska Department of Education’s 2014-15 Statistical Information for Public School Districts: Elkhorn Public Schools $0.275 or $275.00/year on a $100,000 home *prior to Nov 2014 bond passage Bennington Public Schools $0.3338 or $333.80/year on a $100,000 home*prior to May 2015 bond passage Gretna Public Schools $0.2932 or $293.20/year on a $100,000 home *prior to May 2015 bond passage DC West Community Schools = $0.0000
PROP A & PROP B - The Facts DC WEST DISTRICT COMMUNITY INVESTMENT Passage of Proposition A - puts DC West Community Schools Bond Levy at $.254 or $254/year on a $100,000 home Passage of Proposition A and B - puts DC West Community Schools Bond Levy at $0.300 or $300/year on a $100,000 home Source: Douglas County Assessor-certified Valuations, as of August 20, 2015
Official District Fact Sheet | DC West Community Schools | Bond Issue Election Sept. 15, 2015 401 Pine Street, Valley Neb. 68064 | Superintendent’s Office: 402-359-2583
