School board hopes third time is a charm for new school

Voters in Sidney will head back to the polls for a special election in February to decide whether the city needs a new elementary school.

It will mark the third time residents have voted on the issue since September 2013, with the two previous bond measures failing by narrow margins each time. The newest election will take place Feb. 10.

"The school board and the administrators of the Sidney Public Schools have determined for the good of the community, kids and families that a new school is needed," said Sidney's Superintendent of Schools Jay Ehler. "This is only getting worse as 21st Century education continues. It's not something we will back down from. We know how much maintenance and work goes into these schools now."

The estimated cost for the new school, which will house students in kindergarten through 4th grade, has been pegged at $18.9 million. That estimate is up from $16.95 million when the measured failed in May 2014, and from $15.85 million when the first vote was unsuccessful in September 2013.

"Building new facilities will only get more expensive," Ehler said. "Historically, construction rates increase between 2 percent and 5 percent annually, so if we wait, the price will probably go up. Thus, a 'no' vote essentially is causing this to become more expensive for Sidney residents."

The proposed new school would consolidate the students attending Central, South and North elementary schools. North was built in 1929, while Central and South both opened in the 1950s. At issue is the difficulty with installing new technology in these older buildings as well as the high maintenance costs the district faces at each, Ehler said.

"Modern education requires modern technology, and the older structures cannot support these technological requirements," he said. "The current elementary schools also were built prior to things like the Americans With Disabilities Act, Special Education as it currently exists, Title IX, state-mandated class size restrictions and student counselling services.

"Teachers and staff have done a wonderful job of doing more with less, but it's important to address their needs and those of their students. Every single classroom in the school district is currently occupied. The only way to grow now is increase class sizes."

The district has grown from 1,230 students on Sept. 1, 2012, to 1,334 students as of Oct. 1, 2014. Ehler said he also anticipates adding between 20 and 40 students per year over the next three years.

The proposed bond would result in a tax increase of approximately $120 per year for every $100,000 worth of property.

Cabela's would gift the school district the land and the necessary site preparation for the proposed school, which would be located off Fort Sidney Road near the new Pole Creek Road. That donation is valued at $1 million, Ehler said.

The first vote on the measure – in September 2013 – failed by a margin of 105 votes, 1,244 to 1,139. Then this past May, voters again shot down the bond issue – this time by just 64 votes in a final tally of 953 to 889.

"The school board's goal is to properly educate people and show why it's best for the kids and this growing community," Ehler said. "We stand behind that. We want to keep up with the future for our students.

"As new people continue to move to our growing community, there will be more individuals paying local taxes, resulting in an expanded tax base. Sidney's population is increasing, and the average age of our citizens is decreasing. This fact makes Sidney a very unique rural community and leads to a population of younger families with more elementary-aged children."

If the new school measure passes, Ehler said newer and fewer buildings would translate to more efficiency and a reduced cost to taxpayers in the long run. He estimates a savings of approximately $80,000-$100,000 in the costs associated with utilities, maintenance, transportation and shared staff.

If approved, North Elementary would have various potential uses, Ehler said. First, the City of Sidney would consider creating a green space that it would maintain. Second, it would remain as a bus pickup and dropoff location. And third, Sidney High's construction class would expand its curriculum and use the land to build market-value houses, with money generated from the project going toward scholarships and funding future ventures,

South Elementary would be sold, with several potential buyers already expressing interest in that land.

Meanwhile, Central Elementary would be retained by the district. It would be used for various offices and programs, such as the Cool Kids and Summer Meals programs. It would also be available for expansion if Sidney's student population continues to grow beyond expectations, Ehler said.

"A new school is a must for our growing community," he said. "Sidney is thriving and this would attract workers seeking a quality education and facilities for their children. We're just trying to do what's best for the kids."