CPS discusses 10-year bond question, says Hickman High School needs $79.5 million in renovations

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia Public School District's Long-Range Facilities Planning Committee is looking into voter-approved bonds to fund $420 million in its long-range facility plan for the next 10 years.

The district's last $300 million bond plan included new schools like Beulah Ralph Elementary School, John Warner Middle School and more. The Columbia Area Career Center also received a multi-million dollar renovation.

Now school officials are looking to restore and renovate their existing buildings using General Obligation Bonds. GO Bonds are municipal bonds or debt issued by the district and repaid using revenue
received from local property taxes. Voters could get their chance to vote "yes" or "no" as soon as April 6, 2027.

The new proposed bond plan would go into effect April 2027 and run through early 2037. The money would go to things like critical roofing repairs, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, plumbing, electrical, security, improving athletic facilities and more.

Hickman High School comes in at the largest ticket item for the district to address, according to information provided by the district. A full renovation of the building is estimated at around $79.5 million, excluding the pool. The school reports a 99% capacity rate with 2,038 students.

Other preliminary renovation dollar amounts include $18,550,000 at West Middle School for a fine arts renovation/addition, $16,562,500 to renovate the older portion of Jefferson Middle School, $14,683,650 to renovate Fairview Elementary, $14,352,069 to renovate Benton Elementary and $14,257,000 to renovate Parkade Elementary, according to a presentation available on the district’s website

“Renovations can address classrooms, labs, instructional technology, accessibility, restrooms, circulation, interiors and building systems,” according to the meeting’s presentation.

The presentation describes “immediate/critical needs” totaling $130 million, with “critical building systems” totaling $38.4 million, including:

• $8.3 million for critical roofing repairs across eight schools. Farview Elementary and Parkade Elementary have the most expensive needs with $1.6 million in repairs each. Rock Elementary School and West Middle School don't fall far behind.
• $7.5 million in weatherization needs focus on school parking lots, improving drainage, playground accesibility and more.
• Electrical needs at Jefferson Middle School take up majority of the total $4.6 million in immediate needs with an estimated $3.2 million in renovations.
• $3.1 million in flooring,$1 million of which is slated for Jefferson Middle School and $625,000 for Hickman High School.
• $4.7 million in plumbing and fire protection systems.
• $10.2 million for HVAC repairs or replacements across three schools. West Elementary School and Middle School are in the most dire need with a combined $9.5 million in funds needed.

The presentation shows $750,000 is needed for HVAC replacement at Mill Creek Elementary, but the LRFP Committee is looking to move $800,000 of previously approved funding for a flooring project to cover the costs.

Following Tuesday's meeting of the LFRP Committee, the district's Finance Committee will consider recommendations on bond capacity Monday.

Check back for updates.