Oregon-Davis Elementary School could be getting some new playground equipment in the coming years.
Superintendent Bill Bennett told the school board last week that he plans to earmark $50,000 for the playground next year, in the corporation’s capital projects plan. “I think sometimes in the past 10 years that I’ve been here, we’ve really never set aside money for the playground, and when you look at the facilities that get used the most here at Oregon-Davis, our playground is probably one of those,” Bennett said. “There’s students on them every day, multiple grade levels on them.”
Bennett acknowledged that $50,000 won’t be enough to get any major structures. But he said school officials are still exploring grants, and Board Member Lee Nagai said a parent is interested in helping raise money.
Other planned capital projects include new carpeting and plumbing updates at the elementary school, and work on the parking lots and sidewalks. Bennett isn’t recommending getting any new school buses in 2022, but said he’s trying to rotate buses to even out mileage.
He also hopes to lower the school district’s tax rate by at least three cents with next year’s budget. “Last year, remember, it inadvertently went up two cents,” Bennett told board members. “If we can do better than three cents, we will sure try to, but we definitely want to make sure it’s back to where it should’ve been originally or what we at least hope for.”
The Oregon-Davis school board plans to hold a work session to review the proposed budget in more detail. A public hearing will also be held, before it’s up for final approval.
