FAQ
Has the proposed design been carefully reviewed to avoid issues experienced in past projects?
The current design is in a very preliminary, conceptual stage and is intended to establish scope, budget, and overall layout. If the bond passes, the project would move into a full design phase, which includes detailed engineering, constructability reviews, cost validation, and multiple layers of oversight. This process is specifically intended to identify potential issues early and reduce the risk of unforeseen challenges during construction.
How will you make repairs? Will the building fund be able to pay for it?
The current plan to finance the project dedicates 10 cents from the Special Building Fund. The remaining 4 cents will be available to fund building maintenance and is considered adequate based the facility audit of the Junior-Senior High School and past spending from the Special Building Fund.
Will additional parking be added at the new school?
The project includes additional parking to better support staff, visitors, and school activities. Current plans include additional parking for staff, which will be located to the East of the new building. Because plans are not finalized, additional parking near the front of the new building will be considered.
Why isn’t the proposed building a traditional rectangular design?
A traditional rectangular building was considered during the planning process. After evaluating multiple layout options, the Building Committee determined that a pod-style design best meets the district’s long-term needs. The pod layout allows for more efficient supervision, better separation of age groups, improved security, and greater flexibility for future expansion as enrollment changes. It also supports modern teaching methods by creating smaller learning communities within the school. The pod layout was developed after visits to another district who has used a similar layout for multiple buildings.
Why are demolition of the existing building and new bus barns not included in this proposal?
Demolition of the existing building is not included because a final determination has not yet been made on whether the building will be demolished. The Board wants to maintain flexibility as future use options are evaluated.
New bus barns were not included because they may be eligible to be funded through other funding sources. This option is still under consideration.
What happens if the bond fails?
If the bond does not pass, the Board of Education would need to evaluate alternative paths forward. Potential options could include:
- Bringing a revised bond proposal back to voters at a later date
- Proceeding with necessary repairs and limited updates to the existing elementary school
- Exploring consolidation with another school district, which is not the Board’s preferred option
- Considering district dissolution if long-term solutions cannot be sustained
The Board remains focused on identifying a responsible, long-term solution that best serves students, staff, and the community.
What’s the cost per square foot for the new building?
$425 per square foot.
When comparing school construction costs, it’s important to evaluate what is included in the project scope rather than relying on broad averages. This project is designed to meet today’s safety, accessibility, and educational standards while serving the district’s long-term needs.
Is the daycare to be ran by the school district?
Two basic options are currently being considered for the daycare. One will be to lease the space to a provider. The other would be for the school to operate the daycare. If the bond passes, these two options, and any others that might better serve the district and community, will be thoroughly explored.
What money does the school district have to pay if the bond fails (architect, etc.)?
If the bond fails, the school district does not owe any fees to the contractor. Additional architectural fees would only be incurred if the bond passes and the district chooses to move forward with full design and construction.
What is the square footage of the existing school compared to the proposed new school?
The existing school is approximately 33,756 square feet. The proposed new school would be approximately 39,965 square feet, allowing for improved space utilization and updated learning environments while accommodating current and future needs.
How much growth has the school had in last 20 years?
Enrollment has remained steady over the past 20 years.
How are you going to get the cost/pupil down to other schools in Saunders County?
It is hard to make a direct, apples-to-apples comparison of cost per pupil across schools in Saunders County because every district faces different conditions and priorities. School size, enrollment trends, grade configurations, building age, site constraints, educational programs, safety requirements, and community expectations all influence cost.
Why the new gym instead of the new elementary school, why was the gym a priority?
When planning began, there was a general belief that the existing elementary school could last a bit longer. The new gym and locker rooms brought us more in line with the facilities of our conference members at the time. It eliminated the need for an early-late practice rotation during the basketball season, which has been a major positive for our student athletes. The fitness center/weight room addressed issues including safety, capacity for strength training, and the ability to serve both students and the broader community.
As more detailed evaluations were completed, it became clear that the elementary school building is not holding up as well as originally hoped. Aging systems and the inability to easily adapt the building to current educational and safety standards have accelerated the need to address the elementary school sooner than anticipated.
What will the enrollment number be in the new school and how did you arrive at that number?
We expect enrollment in the new school to remain generally consistent with recent years, based on a review of historical enrollment data and current grade sizes. The building is intentionally designed with some flexibility so it can accommodate future growth without overbuilding today.
Are there any plans for the old school & the surrounding land should the new building be approved?
At this time, there are no specific plans for the existing school if the new building is approved. The board would evaluate potential buyers and options to ensure the property is responsibly maintained and does not become an eyesore for the community.
It said the bond covered the building and “other things”, what are the extras that are being considered?
The bond language is written to allow flexibility. In addition to the new building, it provides the ability to address necessary improvements at the high school if there is remaining room in the budget, such as upgrades to lighting or other targeted renovations that improve safety, efficiency, and functionality.
How are option students funded?
Option students are funded through state aid that follows the student to the district they attend. When option students enroll, the district receives funding to help cover the cost of educating them, just like resident students.
Option students are a positive for the district. They bring additional funding, help maintain stable enrollment, and reflect that families see value in the education and programs being offered.
Currently 41 students option-out of Mead Public Schools District and 77 option-in. So we have a net of 36 students, according to the official count from the Nebraska Department of Education.
How long is the bond?
Bond terms are typically in the 20 to 30 year range. The district’s fiscal agent will work closely with the board to determine the structure and timing that is in the best financial interest of the district, factoring in interest rates and whether bonds are sold in one issuance or multiple phases.
How close to the highway will the playground be once the highway is 4-lane?
The playground will be set back a safe distance from the highway, even after it is expanded to four lanes. It will also be fully fenced to create a secure, controlled area that separates students from traffic and provides an added layer of safety.
How are you going to deal with drainage?
Drainage will be addressed through a comprehensive site and civil engineering approach. The project will use professionally designed stormwater systems such as grading, underground piping, detention areas, and controlled outlets to manage runoff responsibly.
The goal is to ensure water is handled safely on site, does not negatively impact neighboring properties, and meets all local and state requirements both during construction and long term.
How will kids be kept safe with all the glass showing?
Student safety is a top priority, and the design includes a secure, controlled main entry with clear sightlines and layered security features. The amount, type, and placement of glass will be carefully evaluated to balance visibility and safety.
It is also important to note that the design is preliminary and will continue to be refined, so materials and details may change as safety reviews are completed.
Review the School District’s Annual Report
Click here to review our Annual Report.
What is the School District’s enrollment trend?
The School District closely tracks enrollment each year to support long-term planning and facility needs. As shown in the table below, enrollment has remained stable over the last 10 years, ranging from 233 to 261 students, with no overall decline. These trends help inform decisions related to classroom space, staffing, and future improvements.
How much would it cost to renovate the existing elementary school?
The School District engaged a professional consultant to evaluate a full gut-and-remodel of the existing elementary school. The consultant’s estimate placed the total cost of renovation between $15.5 million and $18.5 million. This estimate does not include potential costs associated with unknown or unforeseen existing conditions that could be discovered during construction.
In addition to cost, a full renovation would require relocating staff and students and would significantly disrupt learning for at least two school years. A renovation would also not address the challenge of operating on a single campus, which remains an important consideration for long-term planning.
Where and when can I vote early?
Registered voters may vote early in person ahead of Election Day (Feb 10th). Refer to the link for official early voting information: https://sos.nebraska.gov/elections/early-voting
January 30th is the last day for voter to request an early voter’s ballot to be sent by mail. Requests can be made at the Saunders County Clerk/Election Commissioner.
Please note: waiting until January 30 may be too late to ensure your ballot arrives by mail in time, so voters are strongly encouraged to make their request as soon as possible.
How would future housing/valuation growth impact current taxpayers?
Any new homes or businesses that are built within district boundaries will increase the overall valuation of the district. New valuation coming into the district will reduce the tax levy impact of the bond on current residents.
Is this the right time to be building with construction cost so high?
Construction experts are including inflationary factors and contingency into the bond price to make sure the project can be built for the amount on the ballot. They have indicated while construction volatility has stabilized, the cost to build will only continue to rise as time goes on. Waiting to address the district’s needs will end up costing more.
District who have failed bonds within the last year are seeing initial project costs increases of 15-20% to run similar bonds in the future.
How can I get more information regarding the bond issue?
Information will be available via this website and social media. Informational flyers and brochures will be prepared and will be shared throughout the district. There will also be scheduled community meetings on January 14th at 7:00pm in the Elementary School and January 22nd at 7:00pm in the Elementary School.
What is a bond?
A bond is similar to a home mortgage. It is a contract to repay borrowed money with interest over time. Bonds are sold by a school district to competing lenders to raise funds to pay for the costs of construction, renovations and equipment. Many school districts utilize bonds to finance renovations and new facilities
How can bond funds be used?
Bond funds can be used to pay for new buildings, additions and renovations to existing facilities, land acquisition, technology infrastructure and equipment for new or existing buildings. Bonds cannot be used for salaries or operating costs such as utility bills, supplies, building maintenance, fuel and insurance.
