The Next Big Thing

When first hired as superintendent in Hudson back in 2010, the Board's number one priority as far as capital improvement projects was to pave the high school parking lot. The building was a bit more than 10 years old, and the parking lot was one of those items that was never completed during construction. At that time, the operating philosophy was 'pay as you go', so after a couple of short years that project was finally checked off our 'to do' list. That task was followed quickly by reconstruction of the middle school parking lot and for a while, I was convinced my time in Hudson would be remembered as the 'guy who paved everything'.

Our 'pay as we go' strategy served us well up to about the point when Phase III of the elementary renovation project came along. It became evident that, to pay as we go would require waiting several years to accumulate the needed capital. Further, our forecast models proved that rising construction costs would outpace interest rates associated with a revenue bond sale. It also became readily apparent this strategy would not prove workable in the long term since there would be no end in sight. Many of the projects that needed attention would not be scheduled for completion until long after my retirement. Deferred maintenance at some point would catch up and need to be addressed, which ultimately would delay other capital improvements even further.

The master facility plan always assumed the high school would be next in line for renovation and updates. The strategic decision was made to tackle the elementary building first because it is an older building, then move on to the high school. In case you are curious, the high school building is is 24 years old this year. Initially, planning for this work was to begin last year, but COVID disrupted those plans and our focus last year was to, well quite frankly keep our schools open. We are now in a position to begin planning for that work. 

So, what's to be included in this project? Well, a lot of that is dependent on your input. There are deferred maintenance items that need to be addressed: HVAC, windows, ceilings, and lights. A lot of what you saw in the elementary renovation will likely be part of this next project. An expansion/conversion of the gym into a competition arena has been discussed along with a secured entrance and the possible addition of an academic wing. In reality the scope of project is really yet to be determined, and we are really going to need your help in defining that work.

Truth be told though, this is not a pay as you go project. While the Board of Directors have not yet set a budget for these improvements I am confident this is going to take a financial commitment from our community. This is why your input is going to be critical as we move forward. What type of investment are we willing to make? Indeed I am as curious as anyone to discover the answer to that question.

This final month of the calendar year we are assembling our team. Beginning in January, we will be looking to all of you for your advice, counsel, and ideas as we move forward with this next big thing. The process will march forward with a timeline designed to vet all ideas and address all concerns. I look forward to the conversation!