Existing High School

Existing Jr./ Sr. High School Size:

Prior campaigns discussed the classrooms that were in use, including some rooms that were similar in size to a large closet. However, with a block scheduling format, most rooms were empty of students for 25% of the day to allow for teachers to have planning time. With 7th and 8th grade students now in the building, all rooms are in use at all times. The building is being used more efficiently, but it is at its capacity. The current gymnasium was designed as a junior high gym and is not regulation size for a high school.

Updating the Current Jr. / Sr. High School:

Our present building (originally built in 1953 for use as a Jr. High School) has been evaluated on several occasions. The conclusion is that once major renovations begin, we are required by law to come into compliance with six codes all currently grandfathered. The cost of renovation has been fully analyzed and considered compared to building a new facility.

Code Deficiencies at the Present Jr. / Sr. High School:

Code Deficiencies at the Present Jr. / Sr. High School:
The building was constructed prior to current code standards. If any major renovations are performed, the Jr. / Sr. high school will have to be brought into compliance with current codes including:

  • International Building Code
  • International Fire Code
  • International Plumbing Code
  • International Mechanical Code
  • Iowa State Building Code
  • Iowa Energy Code

A list of deficiencies includes, but is not limited to:

  • Current codes require fire sprinklers throughout the facility.
  • Smoke compartments and separation walls are not in compliance with current codes.
  • Emergency lighting and alarm systems need to be upgraded to meet current standards.

INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIREMENTS

  • The roof has been repeatedly repaired and is still in need of additional work.  The sagging of the structure over the years has created low spots that pond water and contributes to early roofing and seam failures.
  • The existing boiler heating plant is over 50 years old and has exceeded its useful life expectancy, and terminal heating units are failing annually due to age.  The current boiler is approximately 50 percent efficient.
  • Several terminal radiator units have failed and are unreliable and need replacement.
  • The temperature control system is not able to adequately control temperatures in all parts of the building leading to very cold and very hot classroom areas throughout the building.
  • Fresh air to the building is virtually non-existent leading to stagnant air in classrooms and easier spreading of contagious ailments.
  • The existing electrical system is inadequate to meet current power needs and must be upgraded.
  • Some existing windows need replacement to meet energy standards.
  • Energy saving light fixtures should be installed to meet current energy standards.

IMPROVEMENT REQUIREMENTS

  • In addition to the required life safety, security and infrastructure requirements, the existing facility would need to be generally upgraded to meet current teaching standards.
  • The existing media center is undersized and needs constant improvement to furnish current technology requirements.
  • The building finishes, including floors, walls, and ceilings need refurbishing.
  • Many existing doors and hardware need replacement.
  • Total remodeling of the locker rooms, weight room, science rooms, music rooms, stage, cafeteria, kitchen, family and consumer education and industrial technology areas, with new casework and layouts, are required to make these spaces as usable as possible.
  • Exterior walks and parking areas are showing serious wear and need replacement / re-surfacing.

Architects estimated in 2008 the cost to completely renovate the existing structure would be $11,000,000. Additions to the existing structure would be an extra cost.

The $9,000,000 portion of the School Infrastructure Local Option Sales Tax will not cover this expense.  Additional money is required!

Existing High School Then vs. Now:

The current building has served to the best of its capabilities for nearly 60 years, considering it was never meant to serve as a high school. It has consistently evolved as education needs change, including the addition of two outside buildings to serve as classrooms, the retrofitting of technology where possible, and the integration of special education classrooms. The costs of updating and maintaining the current building are escalating due to the age of the building and its outdated systems. An assessment by an outside source confirmed numerous code deficiencies. Replacing the facility is the most cost-effective manner to address all the efficiency, space and code issues. Most importantly, a modern facility will remove the limits the current infrastructure has on the education of our students.

Safety of Students in the Existing Facility:

The school district’s insurance carrier, EMC Insurance, conducted a safety audit in the spring of 2008 and provided recommendations on how to make our schools safer. While the district is making every effort to implement these suggestions, the design of our current school limits our students from having the safest environment. For example, holding classes in the Annex buildings- which have no running water or restroom facilities- requires doors to the main building be left unlocked.

Exterior Classrooms as Part of Existing Facility:

Not all of the classrooms in the existing facility are part of the main building. Classes are held in two smaller outside buildings. Family and Consumer Sciences Classes and Special Education classes are held in the Annex. The Annex was built as a “temporary” classroom in 1971. It does not have restrooms or water. Another building once used as a weight room is now used as a science classroom. It also does not have restroom facilities.

Asbestos in the Existing Facility:

Asbestos is present in the floor tile of several science rooms.