The Steelville R-3 School Board approved the next steps in requesting a voter-approved bond measure slated for April 7, 2026, that would be used for capital improvements at the elementary school.

Navigate Building Solutions, a project management company, gave a presentation and overview on Nov. 20 of the facility plan upgrades for the bond project, as well as a projected timeline for the municipal election next spring. The proposed bond measure includes removing asbestos from the elementary school building as well as tackling issues like energy efficiency and water damage.

“Essentially, it is estimates for the projects at the elementary that consists of removal and clean up of asbestos, replacement of exterior walls on an older section of the elementary, constructing actual walls with a concrete footing wall with actual individual windows so it'll be much more secure and also energy efficient. Also, looking at replacing HVAC in that same section, so it's about two-thirds of the elementary. New flooring in the hallway in those classrooms and then doors on those classrooms,” said Superintendent Steven Vetter.

The estimated breakdown includes construction costs at $4,620,147 with a $138,604 escalation cost. Other estimated costs include $462,015 for design and construction contingency, special construction at $250,000, professional services at $954,475, and $5,500 in miscellaneous/advertising moving costs. The total estimated cost is about $6.4 million. If the elementary project is finished with money left over, the remaining funds will go toward upgrades to the high school and parking lot.

According to Vetter, the next steps for the bond measure include finalizing the ballot language, which will likely occur next month.  They also need to schedule it to be on the ballot, and have informative community sessions with feedback in February and March. 

In other business, a football co-op agreement with Crawford County R-2 in Cuba was approved for the 2026-27 school year. Any ninth-12th grader will have the opportunity to play football. It will be the first year for Steelville to participate in the program. 

The school board also approved the Belcher Scholarship recipient, via committee recommendation. High school seniors can apply, and one regional winner is chosen and awarded a $1,000 scholarship. Out of those regional winners, one state winner is selected and gets an additional $1,500 scholarship. According to Vetter, the deadline to apply for the scholarship is next month.