Significant improvements are needed for Steelville Elementary, according to Superintendent Steven Vetter. 

“The elementary building was built in 1957,” he said in an interview Monday. “It has had a couple of additions but not really any upgrades or updating in the interior probably ever to be quite honest. There are several areas that we hope to address. Money is the controller of what we can accomplish.”

Updates to the elementary school are the focal point of the proposed bond issue being prepared for the April 2026 Municipal Election, according to Vetter. The bond will not increase the current debt service tax levy rate of $.77 (77 cents per $100 of assessed valuation).

Areas needing attention are the exterior walls located in the old section of the elementary school which is a panel system. According to Vetter, there is no footing port which has caused issues with water coming in anytime especially during heavy rainfall. Also, it is not energy efficient and the windows will fall out if opened. 

“When you get inside, there is asbestos in the ceiling that we are hoping to get removed,” Vetter said. “We are looking at replacing these exterior walls and pouring some footing to address the flooding. We are hoping to do some work outside the building with grade and the drainage to get the water away from the building and flowing off the property more efficiently so we don’t have to worry about the flooding as well as updating HVAC.” 

Another area that may need addressing is portions of the roof. According to Vetter. while the roof is not in bad shape, there are several places that have not had any new roof put on them since being built. Portions have leaks which require constant repair.

Since data and information is still being collected at this time, there is not much more to share.

Currently, the district’s architects are working on ways to address the exterior walls, asbestos removal, HVAC upgrades, and then estimates will be determined with plans presented to the school board at the November board meeting. Next steps also include developing bond language and holding informational community meetings. 

“We have an old building and we are trying to extend its life. We are trying to make sure we provide a safe and productive learning environment for our kids and these projects are crucial,” Vetter said.