A major topic discussed at the monthly Rock Creek School Board meeting was the plan to expand the school to accommodate the rising number of students. Many students, staff, and family members of the Rock Creek School District have been wondering what steps will be taken to solve the problem of limited space.
At the meeting, a strategic planning master plan created by HTK Architects was presented to the board. Three options were introduced.
Option 1 would utilize the Rock Creek High School Library (Media Center) by downsizing and turning a portion of it into two classrooms. The plan would also renovate the high school special education room and convert the middle school stairs into additional classroom space. This plan is projected to cost $2 million.
Option 2A would build a new auditorium on the northwest side of the high school and middle school. Many community members have previously expressed concerns about the high school auditorium being outdated and lacking space. The new auditorium would seat 800 people. The plan would also convert the old auditorium into six classrooms and renovate the theater shop into a science classroom. This option is estimated to cost $9.4 million.
Option 2B would create a new band room for the high school and middle school and convert the existing band rooms into nine classrooms. The plan also calls for renovating the high school band room storage into a larger cafeteria. Option 2B is estimated to cost $5.5 million.
Rock Creek is growing at an astounding rate. Since the new middle school was built in 2020, Rock Creek High School has grown by about 200 students. A study referenced by HTK Architects that was conducted by the Wichita State University Center for Economic Development and Business Research estimates Pottawatomie County will grow by more than 3,000 residents by 2036.
While new additions to the school district sound promising, one big question remains: Where would the funding for any of these options come from? Especially, when the district already has $37.6 million outstanding bond amount. However, compared to three other districts listed in the master plan Iola, Hesston, and Eudora the USD 323 School District has the lowest district tax levy by nearly $10,000 and the second-lowest state aid percentage.
While raising property taxes could be unpopular, it is a crucial option for the USD 323 School District to consider for new development. Although community surveys conducted show that the community does support the districts need for growth.
In addition to the infrastructure discussion, the board gave special recognition to Superintendent Joan Simoneau for her outstanding Kansas Music Educators Association award.
“It’s really easy to lead when you are leading with a group of people who always want to do what’s best for kids and grow as a group,” Simoneau said.
Simoneau was praised for her leadership and dedication to improving music and arts education within the district. The recognition ceremony took place in the auditorium during the Renaissance assembly and included Simoneau’s family members, adding a personal touch to the achievement.
The high school activities report also highlighted the Scholar’s Bowl team’s achievement of placing second at state. The high school girls’ and boys’ basketball teams are also on track to win league titles and make deep runs in the state tournament, with both teams likely to host substate games. The girls’ wrestling team also boasts two top-ranked wrestlers, Brooklyn Burenheide and Lilianna Nold.
For more information about the district’s infrastructure planning or to see the HTK Architects masterplan, visit the USD 323 website.
