The Monarch Stadium Drive is an initiative to provide updates to the outdoor athletic facilities at Marysville High School and Bunsold Middle School.
Project Goal:
To create 21st century stadium facilities at Marysville High School and Bunsold Middle School that will provide for additional event opportunities for the schools and community.
1. Why are we having a Monarch Stadium Drive?
To create facilities that will enhance Monarch pride, provide safer, updated facilities and rejuvenate a sense of community centered around student activities. The high school facility is currently in need of
major maintenance. The most significant items needing replacement now include the track, press boxes, and updates to the bleachers. These improvements will bring the facilities in line with other schools in the Ohio Capital Conference (OCC) which have turf fields and larger complexes to host a variety of events.
Bunsold MS is one of the few middle schools in our conference without an onsite track or multi-sport field. When the building was initially built, the plan has always been in place to have a track and multi-sport field.
This project will alleviate scheduling conflicts with middle and high school events. Additionally, this will save the expense of transporting middle school students to the high school facilities which is a cost and student safety concern. This will also provide more opportunities for middle school students.
2. How much money will these improvements cost?
The total cost for both projects is estimated at $8.9 million. The district is able to contribute $4.5 million of permanent improvement funds generated entirely from TIF (Tax Increment Financing) projects with the City such as Coleman’s Crossing, Citygate, and Honda. This money has been set aside in a separate fund for this purpose. Permanent Improvement funds cannot be used for daily operating expenses such as teacher salaries, utilities or supply costs. In other words, the funding of these projects will not impact current classroom and academic spending. The other $4.4 million in private donations will need to be raised as part of this campaign. While this project will cost more than renovating existing structures, the costs already involved in renovating
the items noted in #1 will be incorporated in this project and will create facilities to support student needs and one that the community can be proud of.
3. What has the District done to prepare for this project?
The district has been setting aside money for 3 years that allows this project to happen without sacrificing other aspects of our long term capital plan such as school bus replacement and building maintenance. We understand that the community wants the district to be good stewards of district money and we take that directive very seriously. The district maintains a 20 year Permanent Improvement Forecast to ensure that the capital needs of the district are prioritized and planned for years in advance, so that the investment the community has made in our facilities is maintained.
4. Will this project raise my taxes?
No, there will be no increase in taxes related to this project. While this project will not impact operating funds, the 6.56 mill operating levy (effective rate of 2.691) passed in 2013 expires on December 31, 2019 so the District will likely seek renewal in 2018 to maintain current funding levels. This would not create additional funding or new taxes. There are currently no plans for any new millage levies in the Five Year Forecast.
5. What other revenue could these facilities generate and where will that money go?
Due to constraints with our current facilities such as seating capacity, track quality, scheduling conflicts, etc., there are many revenue generating events we are not able to host. This project will allow MEVSD to host competitions such as lacrosse, track and field, band, etc. We will also have the flexibility to rent spaces for other approved events such as tournaments, concerts, playoffs and other community events. Funds generated for school events would go back to support those student organizations. In addition, events would increase
economic activity for local businesses (hotels, restaurants, etc.).
6. Will community members have access to the facilities when not in use for school/community
events?
Yes, the sites will be open for community access at designated times.
7. Why turf vs. grass?
One of the main benefits of a turf field will be the expanded usage it will create. A turf field can withstand the wear and tear of everyday use that a grass field cannot, so the turf field will allow other activities and events to take place on the field regardless of weather conditions. This project does not benefit the football program alone: Lacrosse, Soccer, Track, and Band, among others, will frequently use these facilities as well as creating the opportunity for other community use. While there is a larger upfront cost to install a turf field, turf requires much less annual maintenance. The district currently spends close to $20,000.00 per year maintaining the grass field when you consider items such as mowing, striping, watering and fertilizing.
Studies have also shown that turf fields are safer for athletes than traditional grass fields. One study led by Michael C. Meyers, PhD, FACSM, a professor within the Department of Health and Human Development at Montana State University showed outcomes such as: 12% fewer concussions, 64% fewer rotator cuff tears, 10% fewer AC separations, 31.4% fewer ligament injuries, etc.
8. Why is the district spending this money on extracurricular activities vs. academics?
While academics is our top priority, extracurricular and co-curricular activities; such as athletics and band are a major part of the student experience. These activities provide lifelong memories, as well as, life lessons such as character growth, teamwork, and attitude to name just a few. For some students that may struggle academically, these extracurricular activities are what incentivizes and keeps them engaged academically.
Further, research has shown physical fitness programs help prevent childhood obesity and instill wellness
habits into adulthood.
