Fremont Public Schools Bond Issue
Bond Issue Update
Fremont, Neb. – (Dec. 16, 2021) The citizens of Fremont approved a $123 million, no tax levy increase, bond issue in September. The successful election was the culmination of 18 months of ground work including a professional services study of all FPS facilities, a curriculum alignment process and a community survey.
The major emphasis of the identified priority projects includes rebuilding three elementary schools, a 12 classroom addition and additional fine arts space at Johnson Crossing, a classroom addition at Linden Elementary, improvements at the High School, safety and security updates to a number of facilities and a new Career Technical Education facility on the High School campus.
Planning for the facility upgrades began immediately following the successful election. The BVH design team has been meeting with FPS staff weekly, updating the Board of Education and the Board of Education facilities committee monthly. Construction on the bond projects will commence as early as Spring 2022 and all projects will be completed in the next three to four years.
High School/CTE Project Update:
Initial on-site investigation and documentation work has been completed at the High School. The design team will continue verification of the existing conditions throughout the project as the design is fully developed. The existing site topography and utility survey is under way on site and should be available by end of December/Early January for the design team to utilize during design. The initial programing for both the High School Renovation and CTE project is nearing completion and initial schematic design is underway for both. The master planning of the high school campus site is nearing completion as well. The design work will continue through this year and into next year with the intention of early site construction beginning once school is out in May of 2022.
Washington, Howard, and Clarmar Elementary Project Update:
Several floor plan options have been explored and tested on the Washington and Howard sites with a focus on the building location, playground, traffic, parking and services. Adjustments have been made from comments received during multiple reviews with the building committee. The preferred plan design has been further developed for all three sites. The team is entering into more detailed design of the plan including the classroom wings, administration and student service areas. Upcoming meetings will involve review and comments from the FPS elementary staff at each site. Analysis of the potential sites for the new Clarmar Elementary school replacement is near completion. Surveys of Washington and Howard are also underway.
Milliken Park Elementary Project Update:
Initial on-site investigation, verification, and documentation work has been completed. Site Survey proposal requests have been issued to surveyors for a partial Site Survey that will be necessary for documentation of the area needed for the proposed location of a new Geothermal well field. Schematic Design and Program, Scope, and Budget verification work is in progress. Design work will continue through the Winter months in preparation for bidding in the Spring of 2022.
Lenihan/Learning Center Project Update:
Initial on-site investigation, verification, and documentation work has been completed. BVH and FPS representatives recently conducted an observation of the roof to determine the extent of roof repairs that will be necessary. Program, Scope, and Budget verification work is in progress in preparation for Schematic Design beginning in December. Design work will continue through the Winter months in preparation for bidding in the Spring of 2022.
Bell Field Elementary Project Update:
BVH and FPS representatives recently conducted an observation of the roof to determine the extent of roof repairs that will be necessary. Program, Scope, and Budget verification work is in progress in preparation for design work to begin in the Spring of 2022.
Linden Elementary Project Update:
Site Survey proposal requests will be issued in December in preparation for the design work which is scheduled to begin in the Spring of 2022.
Johnson Crossing Academic Center Project Update:
Site Survey work is under contract. Design work is scheduled to begin in the Spring/Summer of 2022.
“We appreciate all of the input from the community, staff and architects to create the best use of our spaces that will fit the needs of our staff and students,” stated Mark Shepard, superintendent. “The District is currently working with D.A Davison to package the sale of the Bonds,” stated Brad Dahl, associate superintendent. “Taking advantage of the historically low bond market continues to be a priority.”
The Board of Education, on Monday evening, adopted policy and a resolution designed to allow the District access to the Construction Alternatives Act. The intent is to begin a process to select a Construction Manager at Risk for the High School renovation project and new CTE Center. The process, outlined in Statute, requires a committee structure which includes Board Members, Architects, administrators and representatives from the community with knowledge of the construction manager at risk process. Paul Gifford and Brett Richmond will serve on the review committee as the community members. “Paul and Brett bring a wealth of experience to the table in helping us review the firms that are competing for this important work,” stated Dahl.
To view the presentation given at the Board of Education meeting, with preliminary designs, click here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tES9rge1SEGKsaQcdKKMn7MknTHpo2pQ/view?usp=sharing
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The mission statement of the Fremont Public Schools is to produce creative, adaptable, productive citizens committed to lifelong learning.
