Fantastic things are happening on and off-campus this summer. We have had all kinds of extended learning camps, athletic events and camps, open gyms, and free meals available. It was quite rewarding to have the Pella staff work with our students to provide a STEM camp this summer. This school business partnership is making a large impact on our students. Pella's contribution of time, expertise, and resources add a lot of value to what our system can offer.
I am delighted to share information about four of our new staff members. If you look closely, some of them look quite familiar. Jennifer Chapa will be teaching High School Language Arts this next year. She has been teaching in Alaska. Natalie Denton is returning to the district to serve as a Home School Liaison at our High School next year as well. Robynn Manley teaching in the district's preschool program. She has been on our staff as an associate for several years. It is great to see her advance in her career within the system. Jennifer Housman has been serving the district as a member of the Green Hills AEA staff for quite some time and will now serve the district as a school counselor. We are very excited to have each of them back on our staff and part of the Shenandoah CSD family.
We have had a few board work sessions this summer to discuss facility planning and how we might be able to finance some of our needs. This week the board reviewed a fairly comprehensive list of general projects that can be financed using SAVE funds that will improve the overall condition of the building. Additionally, the board discussed the need to repurpose part of the existing high school to create classrooms to support STEM instruction and build two additions. One addition would include space for the Career Technical Education programs, and the second would consist of an auxiliary gym. It is anticipated the cost of the STEM renovation and two additions will require a bond issue. The board is carefully reviewing the steps that are necessary to borrow against the district's SAVE funds and also what is required to have a bond election.
We are continuing to work on refining the plan, budgeting, and reviewing potential sources of revenue with the hopes to have accurate information pulled together within a short amount of time to share with the public. Creating this plan has been a lengthy process, but I am pleased with the efforts of everyone who has been involved in continuing to work and commit their time.
This is not something the Board can decide on their own merit. Issuing General Obligation Bonds for the STEM Renovation, CTE Addition, and Gym addition will require a public vote. We anticipate continuing to discuss, seek feedback, and refine the budget as we move toward a general obligation bond election in November.
