Mar 13, 2025

The Celina Board of Education held a work session Thursday Night to discuss survey results and data concerning the future of the District's building project as it pertains to the Celina Field House. Celina School Superintendent Brooke Gessler comments:

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To view the work session from the Celina Board of Education:

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The following is AI Generated:

Meeting Notes

1. Community Survey and School Facilities

• Survey Results

• The meeting discussed the results of a community survey conducted by OSBA, which received 1,108 responses. The survey covered demographics, alumni status, and opinions on school facilities.

• Extracurricular Programs

• The discussion focused on improving extracurricular programs, with 714 responses analyzed using AI to identify themes such as preserving natural grass, sports importance, and cost transparency.

• School Facilities

• The meeting covered opinions on traditional vs. modern facilities, with a focus on the importance of modernizing facilities and preserving historical ones.

• Parking and Accessibility

• Concerns about parking and accessibility at school facilities were discussed, with suggestions for improvements once the high school construction is completed.

• Performing Arts Facilities

• The discussion addressed concerns about the lack of a dedicated performing arts center, highlighting the investments made to enhance the current facilities.

Conclusion

1. The survey showed diverse opinions, with a significant number of respondents being alumni and valuing traditional facilities.

2. Key themes included preserving natural grass, expanding sports programs, and ensuring cost transparency.

3. There is a strong interest in preserving traditional facilities while also modernizing them.

4. Parking is expected to improve with the completion of the high school construction.

5. Significant investments have been made to improve the performing arts facilities, despite not having a dedicated center.

2. School Infrastructure and Financial Planning

• Survey Results

• The survey received 1,100 responses, which is considered a good turnout. The raw data and presentation will be shared with the public. The survey results are believed to represent the community's views.

• New Gymnasium Construction

• A new competition gym with 2,000 seats will be built regardless of other decisions. The cost to add the necessary seats was under $200,000.

• Field House Preservation

• Preserving the field house would cost $1.7 million just to seal it up, with full renovation costs exceeding $5 million. The decision on its future is not immediate.

• Funding and Financial Planning

• There is $6.6 million available for various projects, including renovating the middle school and addressing the track's disrepair. Federal funding for Head Start is uncertain.

• Future Athletic Facilities

• Discussion on the need for a new football facility and the potential use of the field house for other sports. The timeline for a new stadium is uncertain.

Conclusion

1. The survey results provide a good pulse of community opinions.

2. The new gym will be built as planned.

3. School Infrastructure and Financial Planning

• Football Field and Track Relocation

• The discussion focused on the economic feasibility of relocating the football field inside the track. The decision hinges on financial planning and potential state funding, with considerations for inflationary costs and project timelines.

• Funding and Financial Planning

• The meeting covered the allocation of leftover funds from the elementary school budget to the high school budget, strategic financial planning, and the impact of state funding on project timelines.

• Field House Preservation

• The board discussed the community's desire to preserve the field house despite its financial implications. Options include minimal improvements, potential sale, or leasing, with considerations for long-term maintenance costs.

• Community Survey Results

• Survey results indicated that 58% of the community wants to preserve the field house. The board debated the financial viability of this option versus building new facilities.

• Future Planning and Infrastructure

• The board discussed the importance of laying out a financial timeline for future infrastructure projects, including the potential relocation of the football field and track design considerations.

4. Planning and Funding for Athletic Facility Development

• Financial Planning for Athletic Facilities

• Discussion on the financial timeline and costs associated with building a new track, football field, and other athletic facilities. Consideration of different scenarios and the need for specific financial planning.

• Soccer Field Relocation

• Consideration of relocating the soccer field and the associated costs. Discussion on whether to upgrade the current field or move it to a new location.

• Fieldhouse and Basketball Venue Decision

• Discussion on whether to continue using the fieldhouse for basketball games or move them to the high school. Consideration of ADA compliance and preferences of players.

• TriStar Building Renovation

• Discussion on renovating the TriStar building for locker rooms, bathrooms, and wrestling practice area. Consideration of costs for basic upgrades versus full renovation.

Conclusion

1. A financial timeline will be laid out with specific mile markers for fundraising and securing funds for the new athletic complex.

2. The decision to relocate the soccer field will depend on future financial availability.

3. The decision on the basketball venue is pending further discussion with the athletic director.

4. Renovation plans for the TriStar building are being considered with cost estimates provided.

5. Project Planning and Financial Management

• Financial Planning

• Discussion on creating a financial timeline based on numbers from Garmin Miller to determine funding needs for the next five years. Emphasis on careful presentation to avoid public concern over potential tax increases.

• Project Prioritization

• Discussion on prioritizing projects such as moving the football field, track, and TriStar building. Emphasis on distinguishing between wants and needs and ensuring projects are prioritized based on necessity.

• Community Involvement

• Consideration of potential community donations and the importance of involving the public in discussions about project priorities and funding.

• Timeline and Decision Making

• Discussion on the need for a clear timeline with phases and deadlines for project completion, while acknowledging potential economic impacts that could alter timelines.

• Junior High Building Costs

• Discussion on the costs associated with the junior high building, including potential minimal expenses and the possibility of using existing spaces for administrative functions.

• Future Meetings

• Discussion on the need for future meetings to finalize project priorities and financial plans, with a focus on having clear objectives and outcomes.

Next Arrangements

 [ ] Lay out a financial timeline with specific mile markers for fundraising and securing funds.

 [ ] Draft plans for scenarios with and without the fieldhouse.

 [ ] Discuss the basketball venue decision with the athletic director.

 [ ] Plan another work session to finalize project priorities and financial plans.

 [ ] Prepare a timeline with phases and deadlines for project completion.

 [ ] Reach out to Matt for rough estimates on junior high building costs.