Thursday, August 29, 2013

Preliminary Facilities Information

The CCA Board of Directors had a work session on Monday, August 19 and Wednesday August 21, with a regular meeting on the 21st.  Below is information that was shared with the Board prior to their approval for Shive Hattery to proceed with developing more detailed plans for a PK-5 Elementary Building and additions to and remodeling of the 6-8 Middle School.

Two important things to note: 1.  It is possible for CCA to pass up to a $50 million bond and maintain a steady tax rate.  2.  The CCA Board and administrative team are committed to maintaining all current attendance centers.

Dr. Rushton's projections have the district surpassing 3000 total students in the 2020-21 school year.  A growth of approximately 50% in the next 7 years.  Due to this rapid and sustained growth, plans the Board is working through call for the opening of the proposed PK-5 Elementary and addition to the Middle school in the fall of 2015.  Remodeling of the current Middle School structure would be completed for the fall of 2016.  The first of two additions to the High School would be anticipated in the fall of  2017.  Finally, it is anticipated that CCA would need to open another PK-5 Elementary and the second High School addition in the fall of 2021.  As you can see, there will be considerable planning and construction in order to ensure that CCA has the instructional space needed to meet the needs of our growing enrollment.

Currently the Board is discussing what projects could potentially be on a Bond vote in February of 2014.  Whatever the decision, CCA will almost certainly see multiple bond votes over the next several years.

These first two slides show enrollment by grade level, the first being the 12-13 school year and the second the current, 13-14 school year.  You can see evidence of CCA's growing enrollment through the larger class sizes at the lower grade levels.  
Grade Distribution Augst 21, 2013

The following slides show the North Liberty/Tiffin area, the first is in 2002, the second in 2012.  The development is apparent from the satellite view.
2002
2012

The following slides have students charted by grade level and residence during the 12-13 school year.  In the first slide all students are charted, in the second only 1st and 12th graders are charted.  




The following slide shows the projected population changes for the CCA District.  You can see that much of our district will be experiencing significant growth, which will be felt in our schools as increased enrollment.
Projected Population Change from the Iowa Census Bureau

The CCA District has been able to maintain a strong financial position.  For schools, students generate revenue and our growing enrollment has helped to increase the funds available to CCA.

Unspent balance can be thought of as the district's reserve or carryover.  Note that it gives us the legal authority to spend that amount, but a district does not necessarily have the cash behind that authority.

Solvency ratio is cash vs expenses.  CCA's strong solvency ratio is beneficial when seeking financing for bonds.  CCA enjoys a very strong bond rating, which generates lower interest rates.
Financial Data through FY 12

The following graph shows anticipated tax rates if CCA were to pass a $50 million bond in Febrary, 2014.  As you can see the rate would remain quite steady, to slightly declining.  This can be accomplished due to some current debt service coming off the books, increased valuation in the district, and a decrease in cash reserve levy amounts.  Note that the TIF on the area including Coral Ridge Mall expires in 2018.  That will significantly increase the overall valuation of CCA, resulting in a lower overall levy rate for the CCA Schools.
Historical and Project Levy Rates



September 10 Vote

The school election is on Tuesday, September 10, 2013. There are two important items relating to the CCA Schools. 

There are four spots open on the Board of Education: 
At Large: Eileen Schmidt 
District 2: Open-no candidates submitted to be on the ballot. 
District 3: Steve Swenka and Lisa Beckman 
District 4: Jim Seelman and Malinda Lamb 

Approval of the $0.67/$1000 Voted Physical Plant and Equipment Levy is also on the ballot (This is unrelated to any future bond vote). These funds are used for repair and maintenance of buildings and grounds, purchase of buses, and purchase of technology for students. The current VPPL expires in 2015, voter approval would extend this levy an additional 10 years. 

You can find information on this topic, and other school related items on the district website, http://www.cca.k12.ia.us/, or at my blog: http://timkuehlcca.blogspot.com/

If you have any questions regarding these, or other CCA issues, please contact me, timkuehl@ccaschools.org, or 319-828-4510. 

Sincerely, 

Tim Kuehl 
Superintendent

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Friday, August 16, 2013

Opening Presentation 2013

This is the presentation shared with staff on 8-16-13.  You can use the pause button to get more time to read each slide.


Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Election Press Release

Press Release


To:                  Johnson County Media
From:             Travis Weipert, Auditor

Date:              August 13, 2013

Subject:         Early Voting For September 10 School Election
Begins Wednesday, August 14

Early voting for the September 10 School Election begins Wednesday, August 14 at 7:45 a.m.

Voting will be available at the Auditor’s Office at 913 S. Dubuque Street, Iowa City, during business hours, 7:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays through Monday, September 9, the day before the election.

The office will be closed on Labor Day, Monday, September 2.  No satellite voting sites outside the Auditor’s Office are scheduled for this election.


Voting by mail is also available for this election.  Forms are on our website jcauditor.com.  Call 356-6004 for more information.

Monday, August 12, 2013

Voted Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (VPPEL)

Districts have the ability to levy funds via the Voted Physical Plant and Equipment Levy and CCA has done so for many years. This levy is voted in by district constituents for a term of 10 years. At CCA the current VPPEL is set to expire in December of 2015. The Board has approved a resolution to have a continuation of the VPPEL on the September 10, 2013 ballot.

It is important to note that continuing this revenue stream will NOT result in increased taxes. This would potentially continue a valuable funding stream for the district. VPPEL funds are used to maintain and improve facilities and grounds, purchase buses, and to purchase technology for students. These funds allow us to keep CCA facilities in excellent condition and provide learning resources for our students.

The proposed VPPEL would extend our current levy another 10 years. The rate of $0.67/$1000 valuation would remain the same. Currently this revenue is split between property tax and income surtax at a property tax rate of $0.37/$1000, with the balance of the revenue being generated by income surtax.

If you have any questions regarding the proposed VPPEL please contact me via telephone at: 319-828-4510 or email at: timkuehl@ccaschools.org.

Educationally yours,

Tim Kuehl
Superintendent

CCA Enrollment Growth

As I was preparing to interview for the superintendent position at CCA, one aspect of the district that was exciting was the growing enrollment I had heard about.  I was fortunate enough to get the job, and now, the work with that growing enrollment has begun.  You can see Dr. Rushton's research data here.

With a current district wide instructional capacity of 2,050 students our need for increased instructional capacity is fast approaching.  We will surpass the overall capacity of our facilities during the 2014-2015 school year.  By the 2020-2021 school year the district is forecast to surpass 3,000 students and continue growing.  The Board of Education will be selecting a plan for the future in the next few weeks.  The intent is to run a bond issue vote in February of 2014.  We will be putting out LOTS more information through the fall and winter as plans become more detailed and finalized.

In the meantime, the district is searching out possible building sites in the Tiffin, North Liberty, Coralville area.  If you, or someone you know has land that might be suitable for school buildings please contact the CCA district office at 319-828-4510.

Educationally yours,

Tim Kuehl
Superintendent