One of the largest upcoming projects is a new support services building, expected to cost around three million dollars. It will consolidate and modernize spaces for maintenance, custodial supplies, shipping and receiving, and transportation.The current facility, originally envisioned but never completed under an older bond program, is in rough shape; upgrading it means investing directly in the systems that keep the district running. Over the past three years, the district has also undertaken a series of high-impact facility upgrades. BG Stadium, shared in partnership with the city and Butler, received new turf and a resurfaced track. Weight rooms and gym floors have been refreshed. The auditorium has been renovated. Each project reflects both the community’s expectations for quality and the shared-use model that helps stretch limited dollars. On the technology side, the district follows a fiveyear rotation plan, dedicating roughly a quarter of a million dollars annually to devices and network infrastructure. Vehicles are treated with similar discipline. El Dorado is one of the few Kansas districts transporting students starting at one mile from school, rather than the more common two and a half, which requires a larger fleet. A long-range vehicle plan supports steady replacement and upgrades, including the recent purchase of two new Suburbans. Even transportation has become an opportunity for pride and partnership.A new activity bus,developed in collaboration with the El Dorado Sports Foundation, has been transformed from a standard route bus into more of a tour bus, complete with upgraded interior and custom graphics. The foundation funded the enhancements and exterior wrap, giving students a rolling symbol of their identity as Wildcats. Throughout, the district has made a point of protecting staffing by keeping salaries out of capital as much as possible and anchoring them instead in the general fund. Five-year plans for facilities, technology, and vehicles are shared publicly as part of the strategic plan, reinforcing the broader goal of trust and transparency. PROGRAMS THAT DEFINE A DISTRICT If one event encapsulates El Dorado’s “pride meets purpose” ethos, it is the annual Back to School Bash. Organized by a student liaison and the college and career specialist, who also serves as volunteer coordinator, the Bash transforms the performing arts center into a one-stop hub of support just before the school year begins. The event is completely free. Families stream in— more than 600 this past year during a two-hour window—and move from station to station. School supplies, shoes, clothing, and hygiene products are available. Local stylists provide haircuts. Volunteers 344 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 01
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx