As Pasco County’s public school system begins the academic school year, students aren’t the only ones who are busy in the district.
The school district continues to add, expand and upgrade its facilities to meet current and future needs.
During the 2022-2023 budget year, the district began or completed a number of sizable projects.
Those included:
- Construction of Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation
- Traffic improvements at Oakstead Elementary
- Traffic improvements at River Ridge Middle and River Ridge High
- Food service renovations at Moon Lake Elementary
- Safety and security improvements at various schools
- Completion of Locke Early Learning Academy
- Heating, ventilation and air conditioning projects at various schools
The district’s 2023-2024 capital budget includes these major projects:
- Construction of Kirkland Ranch K-8
- An addition of a classroom wing at Starkey Ranch K-8
- Construction of Gulf High School
- Design and construction of a new K-8 school in southwest Land O’ Lakes
- Design and construction of West Zephyrhills Elementary School
- Construction of the Angeline Athletic Complex
- Design and construction of the cafeteria and an additional classroom wing at Pasco High School
- Structural upgrades and roofing design and construction at Marchman Technical College
Projects included in the district’s new budget were outlined during a Pasco County School Board workshop held July 18.
In addition to outlining proposed projects for the coming budget year, the district also included its 10-year capital plan summary, for 2023 to 2033, in a 51-page report provided in the board’s workshop agenda materials.
That report notes that “capital needs continue to outpace revenues, expanding the potential need for debt issuance.”
It also notes that the district’s current debt is $574.4 million.
On a bright note, the district’s local capital collections are increasing because of a 17.5% increase in the tax roll. That tax roll is projected to be $54.9 billion, which will generate approximately $79 million, according to the report.
Also, recent Penny for Pasco collections remain at their highest level since the Penny for Pasco began. The revenues are projected to be $48.3 million for 2023-2024.
The district’s capital budget for 2023-2024 includes about $241.5 million for construction projects. Those break down this way:
- $210.7 million for new schools
- $22 million for major remodeling projects
- $462,000 for cafeteria renovations
- $6.3 million for HVAC Repairs & Replace
- $2.1 million for traffic improvements
The budget also includes about $16.2 million for maintenance projects. Those include:
- $226,680 for fire alarm systems
- $382,066 for flooring renovations
- $67,480 for generator replacements
- $4.9 million for other renovations
- $134,288 for outside improvements
- $475,000 for exterior painting
- $1.1 million for pavement sealing
- $8.6 million for roofing
- $272,085 for water and sewer
Other capital projects include:
- $2.2 million for athletics
- $4.5 million for buses and motor vehicles
- $113,340 for compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act
- $235,000 for compliance with environmental regulations
- $120,000 for energy retrofit programs
- $180,876 for fencing
- $67,480 for Habitat for Humanity
The budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year includes carryover funding, as well as new funding.
