Eagle Point School District 9

Our project for a livestock handling area, working arena, and classrooms for our Agriculture classes, part of our CTE (Career Technical Education) program, is making great progress. On December 7, 2022, the INTENT TO AWARD notice was issued to the bidders of the project.

Four local construction companies submitted bids for this project. The lowest responsible bid was received from Vitus Construction for a base bid amount of $2,422,300. We are currently in the process of finalizing certain construction details with Vitus Construction and expect to issue the contract to Vitus Construction, and place the first order for materials, by the end of this month. The bids came in higher than expected, but thanks in large part to a generous donation from Morris Foundation we plan to continue with the project, funded by Measure 98 High School Success funds, the Morris Foundation partnership, EPSD9 General Fund revenues, and Reserves, and other community partnerships under development.

We would like to thank our community, the City of Eagle Point, District personnel, the Morris Foundation, the EPSD9 School Board, and many more for their hard work and support in moving this project forward.

Our current plans are to construct a partially-open steel building of approximately 110’ x 200’, with an Arena of apprx 75’ x 80’, a work area of apprx 55’ x 80’, restrooms, storage rooms, offices, vet med storage rooms, and 2 classrooms. The preliminary estimated cost is approximately $1.5 Million dollars, to be funded from Measure 98 High School Success Funds; community donations, local partners, and grants; and if necessary School District Funds. If necessary to meet budget constraints, the project might be constructed in two phases with phase one including the steel structure, arena, and work area; and phase two including the classrooms and small rooms.

The project is being designed by local Architect Dan Horton.

• Preliminary Engineering and Design is complete. Mechanical and Electrical engineering will be done by the Contractor and respective subcontractors as per the requirements in the Specifications Book.

• Application package was submitted to the City of Eagle Point for Site Plan Review and a Conditional Use permit in June. The application package has been deemed as “complete” by the City.

• We expect to receive permits from the City in mid-October. Architect Dan Horton recommends not putting the bid package out too far in advance of construction, so we currently plan to put the project out for bid in early October with a bid-due date in late October and a construction start date as soon as permitting and materials allow.

We held a community “Neighborhood” meeting August 23rd to address several concerns expressed by neighbors. Our meeting was attended by 17 people, including eight community members, six staff members including Supt Andy Kovach, our Architect Dan Horton, and two of our school board members. The main items of interest to the community members seemed to be:

1. That we have no plans for overnight housing of animals in the Arena.

2. The stormwater retainage pond is not in any way a water treatment plant, but simply slows and naturally filters the rainwater run-off from the roof and parking lot. This pond is similar to the one that is already there but larger.

3. Many of the activities planned to be done in the new Arena are already being done in the School District's Ag Barn North of the ball fields, and are very similar in scope to the activities currently being done in the adjacent greenhouse. As a result, we expect a minimal increase in existing traffic.

4. (Architect Dan Horton) the lights to be added to the outside of the Arena will be downward-facing lights (no stadium lights).

We also had several community members express their support for this project and the benefits to our students.

The City of Eagle Point Planning Commission held a Public Hearing Tuesday, September 20th and approved our Arena and Vet-med project, with several operational conditions including no overnight boarding of animals and no commercial use of the facility.

The projected cost of the Agricultural Sciences Building project is approximately $1.5 million. Approximately $500,000 of High School Success funds have been budgeted for this project. The remaining projected expense is to be raised from community donations and local partners. The School Board has indicated a preliminary approval to fund a portion of the needed funds from EPSD9 General Fund and reserves if necessary.

We respectfully request the Morris Foundation award the Agricultural Sciences Building project up to $250,000 per year for three years, for a total contribution of up to $750,000, if necessary based on bids received. We expect to be able to cover the remaining amount (possibly $250,000 or more based on final bid amounts) from other community partners and/or the School District’s General Fund or reserves.

What’s next for our school district? You can get the latest information (and voice your opinions) by adding your name to Superintendent Andy Kovach’s Key Communicator emailing list. It’s easy, just CLICK HERE.