The Keokuk Community School District will host a public forum to discuss an alternative phase two of the district’s renovation plan that would include Calvert Stadium and Torrence Preschool at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 2, at a Special Open Meeting of the Keokuk School Board at Torrence Preschool, 1721 Fulton Street.
“We are sensitive to the tax burden that our school community faces,” Kathy Dinger, KCSD Superintendent, explained. “With that in mind, we want to talk with the community about their thoughts on the district’s upcoming needs and focus on stability.”
The new track, turf field and drainage system improvements that were completed in the summer of 2024 were part of the first phase of a planned two phase renovation project. The topics discussed at the public forum will include an alternative phase two of the renovation plan, which would involve updates to Calvert Stadium, including the press box, concession area, bathrooms, viewing area, focused on accessibility and safety improvements.
Additionally, the plan included a needed facility upgrade for Torrence Preschool to expand and update instructional spaces by moving to the former Community Health Center (CHC) purchased by the district in December 2023. Further discussions will include when phase two could begin and financial options for funding of the proposed projects.
Phase one of the plan was approved by the Keokuk School Board in September 2023 and phase two has been discussed on multiple occasions at board meetings. An Athletic Facility Public Hearing and Financing Public Hearing was held in September 2023 to approve the use of the school infrastructure sales, services and use tax revenues for phase one of the athletic facility infrastructure project. The funds were in the State Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE) Fund and were distributed to the School District pursuant to Section 423F.2 of the Iowa Code. The use of SAVE Funds did not increase the District’s tax rate. The need for track and field renovations were identified by the school community as a priority from a survey conducted in the spring of 2023. Klingner and Associates PC completed phase one of the project and has provided drawings of the original phase one project.
