Kane School District is currently facing several critical infrastructure challenges that require immediate attention. Addressing these issues will enhance our learning environment and ensure student safety and health.
Valley High School Old Gym and Music Room: Structural Integrity Valley High School’s gymnasium and music room (constructed in 1955) have been a point of pride for our community for decades. However, the facilities are showing severe signs of wear and tear, with noticeable cracking and settling. These structural issues pose safety risks and hinder the full potential of these important spaces.
Construct New Kitchen Facilities: Modernizing Nutrition The kitchen located at Valley Elementary was constructed in the mid-1960s and is outdated and too small to meet current demands in serving both Valley Elementary and Valley High School students. Currently all breakfast and lunch meals are prepared at Valley Elementary and are also transported to Valley High School. Kane School District would build a new larger and modern kitchen as part of the Valley High School improvements. This kitchen would provide breakfast and lunch meals for both Valley High and Valley Elementary.
Relocating Administrative Offices: Enhancing Security Relocating Valley High administrative offices (constructed in 1983) to the front of the building will improve building security by providing better access control and monitoring of visitor access. The district has received a $2.6 million grant to help with this relocation, significantly reducing the financial burden.
Kanab High School: The Kanab High School heating and cooling system is in urgent need of an upgrade. The current heating system relies on an outdated coal furnace, which is not only inefficient but also environmentally unsustainable. The coal furnace struggles to provide consistent heating resulting in a coal smell throughout the building and coal dust on furniture, thus impacting the comfort and well-being of students and staff, especially during the colder months.
To address the need for removal of the coal furnace and installation of high energy efficient roof top HVAC units, Kane School District has applied for and received a competitive federal grant of $5.7 million. This new system will offer reliable and efficient heating and cooling, ensuring a comfortable learning environment year-round. Moreover, the upgrade will significantly reduce the school’s carbon footprint, aligning with our commitment to sustainability.
The Need for Additional Funding: While the grants are a substantial help, they do not cover the entire cost of these critical projects. The Valley High School project is estimated to cost approximately $20 million and the Kanab High project approximately $8 million. To bridge the funding gap, the school district will need to borrow money through the issuance of lease revenue bonds. These bonds will be repaid with property tax revenue. The bonds will provide the necessary funds to complete the construction and ensure that both Valley High School and Kanab High School have the facilities they need to support our students’ growth and development.
A Community Investment: Investing in our schools is investing in our future. The renovations at Valley High School and Kanab High School are not just about bricks and mortar; they are about creating safe environments where students can thrive. Safe, modern, and efficient facilities are essential for providing quality education and fostering the talents and abilities of our young people.
We urge the community to support these projects and the issuance of lease revenue bonds. Together, we can ensure that our schools remain places of pride and progress for generations to come.
The Kane School Board of Education will hold a Truth in Taxation hearing at 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday August 13, 2024, at the Kane School District board room, located in the Kanab Center. Citizens are invited to attend this public meeting hearing. Citizens desiring more information are invited to contact Kane School District Business Manager, Cary Reese at 435-644-2555 ext. 2.
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