FMP 2.3: Fine Arts & Athletics Upgrades

The ICCSD School Board approved Facilities Master Plan 2.3, bringing major upgrades to fine arts and athletics facilities across the school district. 

Auditorium renovations, athletics field houses, and investments in community projects headline the new plan. Additionally, enhancements to elementary schools, such as the construction of outdoor classroom spaces, preschool classrooms, and playground updates, are also included.

Superintendent Matt Degner says this move represents a long-term investment to keep high school activities operating at the highest level. 

“This plan is a game-changer for our high schools,” said Degner. “Similar projects are being prioritized in other districts. This plan keeps our high schools competitive across the state.”

Facilities Master Plan 2.0 was originally approved in April of 2022, and portions of that plan are now being revised under FMP 2.3 to meet evolving needs across the district. Notably, funding sources will remain the same, with funds used from the Physical Plant Equipment Levy (PPEL) and Secure and Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE). No additional community funding will be required. Taxpayers are not impacted by this change, and projects are scheduled for completion over the next five years. 

City High, Liberty High, and West High will receive major renovations and additions to performing arts spaces, as well as new multi-use field houses featuring expansive indoor turf. The school district will also partner with the cities of Iowa City and Coralville to reimagine shared athletics spaces. Details of the high school campus upgrades are included in this plan. 

“We see these upgrades as a targeted way to put our programs over the top,” said Degner. “Our facilities already stand out across the state. Adding these new elements to our buildings creates a phenomenal offering at each of our high schools.” 

Plans for renovations will continue to be informed by feedback from building faculty, as well as community input and expert recommendations. Emphasis is placed on the needs of each site and program equity across all schools. Community updates will be provided throughout the implementation process.

“Our goal is to bring highly functional modifications to our fine arts and athletics facilities,” said Degner. “Working together, our community continues to deliver high school facilities which are truly state-of-the-art.” 

Learn more about the five-year plan below. 

Fine Arts Additions

• The plan includes major renovations to performance auditoriums.
• Enlarged stages and improved seating will noticeably enhance experiences for both audiences and performing students. 
• Updates to technology, lighting, and rigging will be implemented based on need.
• Rehearsal spaces will also be expanded and renovated to meet the specific needs of concert music, theatre, show choir, and other performance groups. 
• Liberty High School will receive a new performance space, increasing room for rehearsals and performances.

High School Field Houses

• The primary feature of high school field houses will be expansive indoor turf surfaces, making outdoor athletics and activities accessible year-round.
• The field houses will be independent structures located directly on each campus. 
• Multi-purpose layouts will ensure these buildings are conducive not only to athletics, but also P.E. classes, marching band practice, cheer and dance usage, and community programming. 
• Beyond field turf, how these spaces will be outfitted is currently being determined in consultation with high school administrators, as well as through site visits to other highly functional indoor facilities in the region. 
• ICCSD joins a small group of Iowa districts in constructing field house spaces. Approving three separate facilities represents a cutting-edge investment to keep athletic programs competing at the highest level. 

Community Upgrades

• The school district will commit $14.5 million to the new Coralville aquatic center. This partnership is part of a proposed $50 million initiative for the city, pending a community vote. The facility will host swim teams for Liberty High and West High, creating a superior practice and competition environment. This will also allow Liberty to begin a separate swim program for the first time in school history. 
• ICCSD will also invest $4 million into upgraded softball and baseball facilities at Mercer Park in Iowa City. This will create entirely new competition spaces for City High softball and baseball. The renovated complex will include dugouts, batting cages, bleachers, concessions, restrooms, and press boxes. City High will be granted “exclusive use” of the two competition diamonds for the next 25 years.  

Campus Upgrades

• West High baseball and softball competition fields will be fully renovated, along with improvements to the soccer field. 
• Liberty High will receive new football field turf.
• The soccer field at City High will receive expanded field turf and new lights. 
• Track and field facilities at all three high schools are set to receive updates, including extensive track renovations at West High and field improvements at City High. 
• Roads and other details on school grounds will be adjusted at all three campuses to deliver a cohesive, polished feel to outdoor spaces.