Facility needs for long-term success

Huron City Schools remains committed to engaging, equipping and empowering every student to reach their full potential. Safe, warm and dry facilities are essential to delivering on that mission. As our buildings continue to age, maintenance and operational costs rise. To proactively plan for the future, the district convened a Community Facility Committee this school year. This committee was composed of a diverse group of community members — alumni, new residents, parents and senior citizens. Over the course of several months, the committee studied the current state of our facilities, future needs and potential solutions that would be cost-effective and sustainable. At the March Board of Education meeting, committee representatives shared their final recommendations. Their proposed plan includes renovating both Woodlands Elementary and Huron High School, constructing new classroom additions to transition to a two-campus model, and building a new auditorium and a two-court auxiliary gym. This scope addresses both instructional and operational needs while also enhancing community access. The proposed auxiliary gym could expand offerings like the Woodlands Walking Program. The new auditorium would be designed for shared community use — even during the school day — with appropriate security measures in place. The full project would be funded through a combination of resources: a voter-approved bond issue generating $68.5 million, $3.5 million in cash on hand and an $8 million loan from the district's permanent improvement fund, totaling $80 million in funding. The next step is for the Board of Education to pass two required resolutions to place the bond issue on the ballot. The average cost to a property owner would be approximately $35 per month. This investment would position Huron City Schools to meet the needs of students and the broader community for the next 30+ years. We are grateful to the members of the Community Facility Committee for their time, insight and service in shaping this important plan. Community Facility Committee members: Sharon Barnes William Biddlecomb John Caporini Max Didion Joel Hassinger Lindsey Holeman Dan Humphrey Elizabeth Laffay Julie Lesnett Joe Letterhos Rosemary Lizzi Julie Machoukas Rosie Marsh Steve Myers Mike Morefield Chris Rager Devon Snook Amber Solomon Tim Sowecke Mike Sparks Casey Sparks Curtis Templeton With Tiger Pride, James J. Tatman, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools Huron City Schools