There has been discussion and study on a possible early childhood center project for USD 475. Board of Education members will address the issue Tuesday night during their meeting, said Reginald Eggleston Superintendent of Schools. "We're going to talk about firming up some of our ideas and thoughts about it. We know that we want to apply for a grant, and so we have a timeline." Eggleston noted that in November the Board will have to make a decision so that all of the components for the grant application are covered and the District will be ready to submit it.
Eggleston believes everyone understands the facility is needed and the data verifies that is the case. "All of the basics are done so we just now need to locate the property where we want to place this phenomenal facility."
District staff will seek approval to initiate an ECC conceptual design study for a facility that would include 32 classrooms plus other administrative, special education and meeting spaces. The staff's intent is to seek a $15 million Defense Communities investment Program grant in calendar year 2023. If received USD 475 would contribute $15 million to the grant for a total project of $30 million. If the grant application is successful construction on the facility could occur in fiscal-year 2024.