Fine Arts/Event Center Survey

For Immediate Release 8/14/09

Contact Person: Dr. Tim Mitchell, Superintendent, Chamberlain School District 7-1
Phone: 234-4477
E-Mail: tim.mitchell@k12.sd.us

Chamberlain City Commission and Chamberlain School Board Seek Your Input on Facility Development

The 2007 Community Resource Team Assessment sponsored by Chamberlain/Oacoma Area Chamber of Commerce and Lake Francis Case Development Corporation identified the need for additional community facilities to host fine arts events and other community events. The Chamberlain City Commission and Chamberlain School District Board of Education have been exploring options to meet those needs for the patrons of our community and school district. Those discussions have resulted in several options.

Options being discussed and considered include:

A Fine Arts Center, which would accommodate theatre style seating for approximately 500 people. The primary use for this facility would be for music and theatrical performances. However, we anticipate that it would also be used for training seminars, community education, events like the high school senior awards night, and other community events. Estimated costs range from $2.5 million to $4.0 million. Funding could be accomplished through donations, school funds, city funds, grants, and taxes. Potential location could include a renovation of the Chamberlain City Hall or new construction attached to the Chamberlain High School.

An Event Center, which would contain athletic facilities and seating for 2,000-3,000 people. It could be used for athletic practices, youth sporting events, high school district and regional tournaments, sports shows, fine art performances where large seating capacity is required, and other community events. Estimated costs range from $8.0 million to $10.0 million. Funding could be accomplished through private donations, school funds, city funds, grants, and taxes. Probable location would be attached to the Chamberlain High School.

One potential funding option (for either of the options above), that the citizens need to consider, is the passing of a bond issue. In 2012, the taxpayers of the Chamberlain School District will complete payment of the 12 million dollar bond issue passed to pay for the construction of the current high school. If the taxpayers passed a new bond issue of a similar amount, approximately 12 million dollars of facilities could be constructed without the taxpayers seeing any increase in the property tax mill levy over what they are currently paying.

To continue this process and make this important long-term decision, we feel that it is important to gather a better understanding from the taxpayers. You can do that by helping complete a short survey.

The survey can be completed online at any of the following websites:
CSD 7-1 Website: www.chamberlain.k12.sd.us
COACC/CVB/LFCDC Website: http://www.chamberlainsd.org/
Chamberlain Oacoma Sun Website: http://www.chamberlainsun.com
Chamberlain-City-www.chamberlainsd.net
Printed copies can be obtained:
Chamberlain School Administration Building
Chamberlain High School
Chamberlain Elementary School
City Offices
COACC/CVB/LFCDC Office
Cozard Memorial Library
Request by Mail-301 East Kellam Ave
Request by E-mail-tim.mitchell@k12.sd.us
Central Dakota Times-Insert in Paper
Chamberlain Oacoma Sun-Insert in Paper

All surveys should be returned to the Chamberlain School District Administration Building, 301 East Kellam Ave no later than September 18, 2009 for final tabulation of results.

Once the results have been tabulated the Chamberlain School Board and Chamberlain City Commission will schedule a Joint Meeting to review the results and take further public input.