The Alta‑Aurelia Community School District Board of Education met last night in Aurelia, hearing nearly half an hour of public comment before discussing how to use excess proceeds from Secure an Advanced Vision for Education—or SAVE—bonding.
Last winter, the school district bonded for $8.25 million against future SAVE revenues to build a new athletic performance complex. With the winning bid of $5.1 million and only about $170,000 spent so far on equipment and change orders, officials now project at least $2 million in excess proceeds.
That surplus set the stage for a spirited public comment session, which was attended by about 40 individuals.
Community members urged the board to balance fiscal responsibility with facility needs. Concerns ranged from playground safety to bleacher stability, and from concession stands to boilers.
Several speakers, including new Alta Mayor Desi Suter, pressed the board to balance fiscal responsibility with community equity between Alta and Aurelia, including between the cities and the school district.
Others, including Alta resident Shawna Hilsabeck, warned against rushing decisions that could divide the district.
Parents and PTO members—including Warrior PTO President Mallory Richter—pushed to immediate needs, from playground safety to classroom infrastructure.
Superintendent Denny Olhausen acknowledged the emotion in the room but emphasized their compass must remain what’s best for students.
Olhausen outlined SAVE’s allowable uses: facility upgrades, buses, technology, and infrastructure. He noted the board could invest in district needs or consider shifting football and track to Aurelia, where facilities are district-owned. Holding the funds to pay down the bond early in 2031 is another option.
Board members discussed costs ranging from $250,000 for a new playground surface to $700,000 for a 100‑space parking lot. They also weighed the logistics of moving football and track—including transporting equipment and band instruments—and the long‑term question of investing heavily in Alta’s city-owned field versus the district-owned grounds in Aurelia.
Board member Jayden Van Berkum said it would make more sense to direct funding toward property the district already owns.
Board President Tom Hinkeldey echoed that concern, adding that he doesn’t anticipate dedicating the entire SAVE surplus to a football facility.
No action was taken last night, but the board agreed on next steps, which include meetings with the district’s buildings and grounds crew, coaches, and the City of Alta, followed by possible architect involvement in February.
The board says its goal is to conserve dollars while ensuring students and patrons have safe, modern facilities—and to make decisions that strengthen community pride across both Alta and Aurelia.
