District presents long-range facilities analysis highlighting ELC needs

District staff presented a long-range facilities condition analysis and a multi-year project forecast to the Mount Horeb Area School District board.

The presentation broke down conditions by building and used a letter-grade approach. Staff said the Early Learning Center (ELC) received one of the lowest condition grades and that “the roof is at the end of its life,” creating a substantial maintenance and capital planning concern. Facilities staff described routine repairs being done to preserve safety while the district evaluates long-term options.

The facilities lead outlined a projects budget that the presentation showed at roughly $230,000 spread over the next four years for identified priority maintenance and repairs; staff noted that figure covers only a portion of long-term needs and that major replacements, such as full roof and HVAC renewal, would require larger capital work or a referendum.

Board members and staff stressed the difficulty of forecasting major capital projects far into the future and described the trade-offs between funding annual operating needs and saving for multi‑year capital replacements. Members asked about security upgrades, contractor availability, and which items might be deferred or bundled into future referendum work. Staff said more detailed project lists and cost estimates would be prepared for summer projects and future board discussion.