Barneveld School District Community Survey Results Spring 2017
Survey Summary The survey was conducted in late May/early June of 2017. Residents within the District were mailed a paper survey. Each survey included a unique survey access code for those who preferred to take the survey online. Total responses = 313 (92 paper) Participation rate = 20%
Respondent Information
What is your age? 30% 25% 29% 26% 20% 17% 15% 13% 14% 10% 5% 0% 1% 18-25 26-35 36-45 46-55 56-64 65+
Do you live in the Barneveld School District? 16% 84% Yes No
In which city/township do you reside? 50% 47% 45% 40% 35% 36% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 7% 6% 5% 2% 1% 1% 0% Village of Barneveld Town of Brigham Other Town of Ridgeway Town of Moscow Town of Blue Mounds Town of Arena
Are you an employee of the Barneveld School District? 15% 85% Yes No
Do you have children attending the Barneveld School District? 51% 49% Yes No
If you have school-aged children, what school(s) do they attend? 60% 52% 50% 40% 30% 37% 34% 20% 10% 0% 9% 6% 1% 1% 0%
Overall, how do you feel the quality of the Barneveld School District is affecting your home value? 50% 46% 45% 40% 37% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 13% 10% 5% 4% 0% Positive impact Little to no impact Negative impact Do not own a home in the District
How would you like to receive information regarding the Barneveld School District? Email 23% 88% Barneveld Shopper 58% 79% School mailings 44% 50% School newsletters 23% 40% District/school website Text message Facebook/social media PowerSchool Parent Access Attend meetings 0% 0% 3% 21% 30% 13% 23% 20% 20% 40% Non-Parents (Non-Staff) Parents (Non-Staff) Dodgeville Chronicle 20% 30% School Board meetings 4% 16% Television/cable 6% 4% Radio 2% 12% Other 1% 0% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
Striving Toward Excellence
Item How well are we doing in each of the following areas? Great (4), Good (3), Fair (2), Poor (1) Staff Parents (Non-Staff) Non-Parents (Non-Staff) Building pride in our community 3.53 3.40 3.39 Delivering a high-quality educational experience 3.46 3.02 3.04 Providing a welcoming and safe learning environment 3.34 3.01 3.01 Using technology to enhance the learning experience 3.57 3.16 3.01 Maintaining school facilities 2.35 2.81 2.92 Making decisions in the best interest of students 3.13 2.88 2.91 Keeping the public informed 3.17 2.82 2.82 Preparing students for life after high school 3.22 2.88 2.81 Hiring and retaining high-quality staff 3.18 2.72 2.80 Spending tax dollars wisely 3.30 2.80 2.80 Meeting the needs of all students 3.00 2.72 2.56
Overall, how satisfied are you with the Barneveld School District? (All Respondents) 60% 54% 50% 40% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 1% 0% Very satisfied Satisfied Not satisfied Very unsatisfied No opinion
Facility Background
A recent Facilities Assessment, conducted by HSR Associates, found that many of the Barneveld school building s systems, including plumbing, heating and electrical, are original and require extensive work or replacement. In addition, the study found: Part of the school does not meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. The school s multiple ramps and extended corridors limit accessibility and do not allow for efficient use of space nor effective flow of students. Safety and security concerns over the location of the main entrance and office. The kitchen, cafeteria, music and gym spaces are undersized for the student population. There are moisture and air quality concerns within the school. Educationally, the school lacks the flexible learning and collaboration spaces. The School Board believes this is a good time for the District to consider our options because interest rates are historically low. If the public chooses to address these needs, the primary way to obtain funding is through a referendum.
Renovate or Build New Sections of Barneveld school are over 100 years old. The older sections of the school are more expensive to heat and maintain. Various floor levels are connected by ramps, creating accessibility challenges. The most recent addition that provided a multi-purpose room and technical education area is already more than 20 years old. The Citizens Facility Committee considered renovating the oldest portion of the school, but the project was found to be too expensive and would not have properly addressed the educational needs. The committee recommends tearing down the oldest portion of the school and rebuilding a two-story elementary wing as well as the cafeteria, kitchen, music and art rooms and main office.
Would you support a plan to tear down the oldest portion of the school and rebuild a two-story elementary school wing, music and art rooms, cafeteria, kitchen and main office? (Residents Only) 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 70% 84% 79% 58% 10% 0% 4% 18% 20% 16% 17% Yes No Not sure/need more information All Residents Staff Parents (Non-Staff) Non-Parents (Non-Staff) 24%
Base Plan
The Citizens Facility Committee has reviewed the facility assessment, toured the school and listened to the educational needs of the District. The committee acknowledges that it may not be realistic to complete all of the needed updates at one time. Therefore, they have identified a Base Plan as the first phase of our school improvement plan. The Base Plan addresses most of the fundamental issues with the current facility and positions the District well for the future. The image below is the Base Plan concept recommended by the Citizens Facility Committee. The plan will: Replace the Elementary School, Music and Art Rooms and Cafeteria 1A. Tear down the oldest portions of the school, which includes the elementary school, music rooms, kitchen and cafeteria. 1B. Build a two-story elementary addition and music and art rooms. Improve Safety and Security/Rebuild Cafeteria/Commons and Kitchen 1C. Rebuild the front entrance to create a secure entry to better control student and visitor access. Renovate the cafeteria/commons to allow for better flow of students and a space that can be utilized for large group instruction, community meetings and small group collaboration. Update the kitchen to improve work flow and replace equipment that has exceeded its service life. Heating, Ventilation, Plumbing, Electrical Upgrades and Restroom Improvements 1D. Replace/repair the heating and ventilation and plumbing and electrical systems that have exceeded their service life. Address air quality and moisture concerns. Parking 1E. Expand parking and improve traffic flow around school as well as move bus barn away from parking area. The total cost for the Base Plan is $12.9 million.
Would you support a $12.9 million referendum for the Base Plan? This would represent an estimated tax increase of $213 ($18 per month) for each $100,000 of property value for each of the next 25 years. Assumes a 25-year borrowing period, interest rates ranging from 3.25% to 4.75% and a 2% annual valuation growth. All Residents Definitely yes Probably yes 38% 36% 74% Yes Undecided 9% Probably no Definitely no 7% 10% 17% No 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
Would you support a $12.9 million referendum for the Base Plan? This would represent an estimated tax increase of $213 ($18 per month) for each $100,000 of property value for each of the next 25 years. Assumes a 25-year borrowing period, interest rates ranging from 3.25% to 4.75% and a 2% annual valuation growth. Staff Residents Definitely yes Probably yes 38% 52% 90% Yes Undecided 10% Probably no Definitely no 0% 0% 0% No 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
Would you support a $12.9 million referendum for the Base Plan? This would represent an estimated tax increase of $213 ($18 per month) for each $100,000 of property value for each of the next 25 years. Assumes a 25-year borrowing period, interest rates ranging from 3.25% to 4.75% and a 2% annual valuation growth. Parent Residents (Non-Staff) Definitely yes Probably yes 33% 46% 79% Yes Undecided 9% Probably no Definitely no 3% 9% 12% No 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
Would you support a $12.9 million referendum for the Base Plan? This would represent an estimated tax increase of $213 ($18 per month) for each $100,000 of property value for each of the next 25 years. Assumes a 25-year borrowing period, interest rates ranging from 3.25% to 4.75% and a 2% annual valuation growth. Non-Parent Residents Definitely yes Probably yes 29% 36% 65% Yes Undecided 9% Probably no 6% 26% No Definitely no 20% 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
Additional Projects
Renovate and Expand Gym Space 2A. Additional gym space could be created by converting the existing multi-purpose space and industrial arts area into a two-court gym that can also serve as a competition gym with seating for 800 with the ability to add additional seating in the future. This would: Provide more space for physical education Increase space for school and community use, especially in the winter months Expand space for large events, youth programs and Fair Day Provide sufficient space to host indoor conference and WIAA events that generate revenue Provide needed practice space for school teams during late afternoon and evening hours Be the primary competition gym The locker rooms would also be updated to address Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. Technical Education/Industrial Arts/STEM Expansion 2B. A new Technical Education/Industrial Arts wing would then be added where the previous elementary classrooms existed. The new space would allow the District to incorporate the latest technology and equipment and better respond to the growing demand for skilled trades and professionals in manufacturing, engineering and design in our region. Staff/Event Parking 2C. Expand parking to accommodate staff and special events. The total cost for these additional projects is $3.4 million.
Would you support a $16.3 million referendum for the Base Plan with the addition of a gym expansion, technical education/industrial arts/stem expansion and additional parking? This would represent an estimated tax increase of $280 ($23 per month) for each $100,000 of property value for each of the next 25 years. All Residents Definitely yes Probably yes 27% 31% 58% Yes Undecided 14% Probably no Definitely no 11% 17% 28% No 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
Would you support a $16.3 million referendum for the Base Plan with the addition of a gym expansion, technical education/industrial arts/stem expansion and additional parking? This would represent an estimated tax increase of $280 ($23 per month) for each $100,000 of property value for each of the next 25 years. Staff Residents Definitely yes Probably yes 29% 43% 72% Yes Undecided 14% Probably no Definitely no 0% 14% 14% No 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
Would you support a $16.3 million referendum for the Base Plan with the addition of a gym expansion, technical education/industrial arts/stem expansion and additional parking? This would represent an estimated tax increase of $280 ($23 per month) for each $100,000 of property value for each of the next 25 years. Parent Residents (Non-Staff) Definitely yes Probably yes 31% 38% 69% Yes Undecided 11% Probably no Definitely no 11% 9% 20% No 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
Would you support a $16.3 million referendum for the Base Plan with the addition of a gym expansion, technical education/industrial arts/stem expansion and additional parking? This would represent an estimated tax increase of $280 ($23 per month) for each $100,000 of property value for each of the next 25 years. Non-Parent Residents (Non-Staff) Definitely yes Probably yes 20% 22% 42% Yes Undecided 17% Probably no 12% 41% No Definitely no 29% 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
Performance Space 3A. The District does not have a dedicated space for plays, musicals, recitals, concerts, large group activities or community presentations. The District explored building an auditorium but found it too expensive at this time. Instead, a smaller rehearsal and performance space could be added to the existing main gym that would include lighting, sound and new ADA-compliant bleachers. A moveable wall would allow for athletic practices and rehearsals to occur at the same time, thus reducing scheduling conflicts. The total cost for this additional project is $2.6 million.
Would you support an $18.9 million referendum for the Base Plan with the addition of a gym expansion, technical education/industrial arts/stem expansion and additional parking AND the addition of performance space in the gym? This would represent an estimated tax increase of $327 ($27 per month) for each $100,000 of property value for each of the next 25 years. All Residents Definitely yes 21% Probably yes 25% 46% Yes Undecided 15% Probably no Definitely no 17% 22% 39% No 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
Would you support an $18.9 million referendum for the Base Plan with the addition of a gym expansion, technical education/industrial arts/stem expansion and additional parking AND the addition of performance space in the gym? This would represent an estimated tax increase of $327 ($27 per month) for each $100,000 of property value for each of the next 25 years. Staff Residents Definitely yes 29% Probably yes 19% 48% Yes Undecided 19% Probably no Definitely no 9% 24% 33% No 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
Would you support an $18.9 million referendum for the Base Plan with the addition of a gym expansion, technical education/industrial arts/stem expansion and additional parking AND the addition of performance space in the gym? This would represent an estimated tax increase of $327 ($27 per month) for each $100,000 of property value for each of the next 25 years. Parent Residents (Non-Staff) Definitely yes 25% 57% Yes Probably yes 32% Undecided 14% Probably no Definitely no 15% 14% 29% No 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
Would you support an $18.9 million referendum for the Base Plan with the addition of a gym expansion, technical education/industrial arts/stem expansion and additional parking AND the addition of performance space in the gym? This would represent an estimated tax increase of $327 ($27 per month) for each $100,000 of property value for each of the next 25 years. Non-Parent Residents (Non-Staff) Definitely yes 16% Probably yes 18% 34% Yes Undecided 16% Probably no Definitely no 18% 32% 50% No 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
Project Timing/Election Date
There is not a regularly scheduled election this fall. The District could schedule a special election for voters to consider a referendum this fall vs. in the spring of 2018. There could be an estimated cost of $6,000 to the District to hold this special election. However, if successful, the District could start construction in the spring of 2018 and secure interest rates at a lower level, assuming they continue to rise as forecasted. Given this background information, would you support the District holding a facilities referendum in the fall of 2017? (Residents Only) 75% 65% 86% 73% 60% 52% 45% 34% 30% 22% 15% 9% 13% 13% 14% 5% 14% 0% Yes No Undecided All Residents Staff Parents (Non-Staff) Non-Parents (Non-Staff)
Thank you!