Major Proposed Projects and Discussion

The addition of more signage and driver assistance markings was suggested as a measure that may help increase the ease of use and compliance with current traffic flow rules. The working group decided to leave this project off the list of recommendations for immediate use of the allocated bond funds for the following reasons.

The current traffic flow is very likely to be modified when development commences on the commercial parcel at the SW corner of the property in the near future. At that time we expect to modify our access and parking arrangement, which would likely require revisions to the signage and markings again. (See the post regarding Additional Parking for more information.) The cost of this project is also well within the limits of other existing funding mechanisms so it could be implemented by other means if desired.

The Field House currently relies on our existing portable PA equipment. Administration and staff proposed the purchase and installation of a  permanently installed system. The working group recommended this project to the GBOD for the following reasons.

Use of the portable PA equipment requires additional setup and takedown time which reduces its utility. Having a dedicated system will save wear and tear on our portable equipment which is used throughout the campus at many different events. The permanently installed system will add lasting utility to the Field House for Stargate events. It will also increase the value of the Field House for rental to outside groups, when Stargate activities do not need the facility.

The Community expressed a desire to have exterior security cameras around the campus to augment the current indoor systems. The working group discussed the issue and recommended this project to the GBOD.

The group deemed that having exterior cameras will provide several benefits to deter vandalism and increase community safety. The new equipment can be effectively managed by the existing security infrastructure and hardware.

Outdoor learning spaces are a big priority among students and staff. At the time of deliberations, the working group was aware that the Grant Committee was working diligently on a proposal that would provide some outdoor instructional space. In the interest of allowing the Grant Committee full discretion on this initiative, and in the interest of ensuring other priorities are addressed, the working group decided to leave this item off the list of recommendations at this time. The working group noted that if risk reserves from other approved projects can be released as the projects are completed, funds may become available to consider options in this area in the near future.

Community members have expressed the desire to restripe the current parking lot so as to widen the parking spaces to minimize the incidence of door dings and make parking easier. The working group decided to leave this project off the list of recommendations for the immediate use of the allocated bond funds for two primary reasons.

First, widening the existing parking spaces will reduce the total number of spaces for the immediate timeframe, exacerbating the current challenges at peak usage. Second, the current parking allotment is very likely to be modified when development commences on the commercial parcel at the SW corner of the property. At that time we expect to modify our access and parking arrangement. (See the post regarding Additional Parking for more information.) Finally, the cost of this restriping is likely to be much lower if done in concert with striping of newly installed parking areas, but even independently is such that it could realistically be implemented with other existing funding mechanisms.

This winter it became evident that Stargate needs a garage structure to maintain its investment in groundskeeping equipment and vehicles. During cold days it was difficult to start up snow plowing equipment and it was discovered that snow accumulation makes access to equipment and supplies more difficult than had been expected.

The working group agreed that it would recommend this option to the GBOD. The group decided that it is necessary to protect our investment in equipment as well as to facilitate operations during bad weather. The group also feels that a garage structure would provide needed security to protect both Stargate assets and unsupervised children.

Community members and staff proposed adding a digital  message board at the front of the school, atop the existing monument sign. The working group recommended this project to the GBOD.

We have a vibrant and active community, with many activities happening every week, but our only consistent form of communication is via email or teacher blogs. At our previous facility, we had a placard that had to be manually updated every week. Many in our community found this to be a helpful reminder to all that was going on during the week.

A digital sign is an efficient and effective way of communicating quick reminders and messages to the community at large. The ease of use will provide Stargate with the ability to update reminders and notices more easily, as well as allow for more announcements.

The grassy area in the middle of the secondary building is also not taking hold as planned due to heavy use and sunlight blockage patterns from the building itself. Staff is also seeing a need for more age appropriate play equipment at peak recess times as well as outdoor amenities such as tables and benches for outdoor study and socializing. The community has proposed the addition of appropriate ground covering and additional equipment to replace the distressed grass.

The working group agreed that this would be a valuable use of funds that would help solve an existing problem for a reasonable level of expenditure and recommended this project to the GBOD.

The grassy area in the middle of the primary building is not taking hold as planned due to heavy use and sunlight blockage patterns from the building itself. Staff is also seeing a need for more age appropriate play equipment at peak recess times. The community has proposed the addition of appropriate ground covering and additional equipment to replace the distressed grass.

The working group agreed that this would be a valuable use of funds that would help solve an existing problem for a reasonable level of expenditure and recommended this project to the GBOD.