The results are in from a survey about construction and maintenance projects in the Keokuk School District.
By a slim margin, parents and residents said repairs to the high school track and football stadium should be the district’s top construction priority.
32% of respondents said they want the district to make repairs to the track, and make upgrades the sprinkler system, bleachers, press box, concession stand, and restrooms at Calvert Stadium, the football field at Keokuk High School.
School security was also a top concern. 31% of respondents said adding new security entrances at each school building should be the district’s priority.
The district recently built and opened a new secure entrance at the high school before the current school year.
The survey was emailed in April to parents and residents throughout the school district.
Other proposed also included:
- Renovations to the second floor at the Torrence Preschool building to provide more space for all day preschool.,
- Additional classrooms and space dedicated for a lunchroom at the Hawthorne Elementary building
- Additional classrooms and space for a lunchroom, greenspace for recess and new HVAC system at the George Washington Elementary building.
The school district did not disclose how many people responded to the survey, but the district released individual feedback online.
One of the respondents said the district should prioritize creating additional classroom space for special education.
“Although I think it is wonderful that it is acknowledged that there is a need for additional rooms at (George Washington Elementary), I find it disappointing that including this (special education) issue was missed,” the person wrote.
Another person stressed the importance of school security.
“Any decision made should be what best serves the safety and education of all students and staff in our district,” the person wrote.
Others said that projects that benefit students in the classroom should override any renovations to athletic facilities.
“I wish to put education ahead of sporting events,” said one.
“Education and safety over athletics,” said another.
But the improvements to athletic facilities earned the most support. One person wrote, “I can speak only from a high school perspective. We have made several WONDERFUL additions over the years, but it's time to improve Calvert (Stadium).”
Interim Superintendent Dan Mart said the district is looking for feedback, but he has not indicated how the school board will use the survey responses.
Tri States Public Radio produced this story. TSPR relies on financial support from our readers and listeners in order to provide coverage of the issues that matter to west central Illinois, southeast Iowa, and northeast Missouri. As someone who values the content created by TSPR's news department please consider making a financial contribution.