News : VSCSD Facility Update

I am writing to provide an update on our ongoing facilities planning process, which has been a significant focus for our district as we strive to support the success of all students and staff through improved infrastructure.

As part of our continuous improvement plan, we have made notable progress. We recently completed the Tiny Vikes Early Learning Center and are finishing up essential building system updates at the Middle School.

Earlier this year, in February and March, we held community input sessions to discuss our facilities' needs and explore potential solutions. We greatly appreciated the opportunity to hear from many of you during these sessions and hope you found them informative.

Next, we conducted a district-wide community survey to gather additional feedback. The survey, which was mailed to every household in the Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District, outlined our existing facility needs and potential funding scenarios. We received 825 responses, representing a 16% response rate. This is an average response rate and provided us with statistically accurate data. When asked if the District should pursue a bond referendum to address facility needs, 54% of respondents said yes, 18% said no, and 28% were undecided. This data indicates positive support for pursuing a bond referendum.

Upon analyzing the survey results, however, the school board identified a significant need for more detailed information and specific plans for Shellsburg Elementary. The "no" votes and many of the undecided responses primarily reflected concerns about how Shellsburg Elementary should be used and which students should attend there. This tells us that we have community support for a bond vote, but that we need more detailed information and specific plans for Shellsburg Elementary before asking the community to vote.

In response to this feedback, the board has decided not to hold a vote in November. Instead, we will initiate a community engagement study focused specifically on the future utilization of Shellsburg Elementary. This study will involve a dedicated community engagement process to gather more targeted input and develop a clear plan for both the facility and operations in Shellsburg.

The school board is fully supportive of sustaining a presence in the Shellsburg community. Recent economic development in the area underscores the importance of maintaining a strong educational presence in Shellsburg.

Meanwhile, we will continue to analyze how we can address other facility concerns highlighted in the facility assessment and through input from the community and staff using money from the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) and Secure an Advance Vision for Education (SAVE) funds. This could include projects identified in the recent survey, such as renovating classrooms and restrooms districtwide to comply with ADA requirements, updating site and building infrastructure, and enhancing outdoor environments like our playgrounds and fields.

We remain committed to ensuring our facilities support the educational environment and experience for all students and staff. Your continued involvement and feedback are invaluable as we move forward with these important initiatives.

Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement.

Take care,