At DPAC’s next general meeting on Wednesday, October 14 at 6:45 p.m. in the school library, parents will vote on a proposal to fund a new audio-visual (AV) system for the school gym. We encourage you to attend, ask questions, share your thoughts, and cast your vote.
Why is this needed?
The current gym AV system is outdated, unreliable, and requires staff to set up a projector and run cords across the floor for every assembly or event. This creates both logistical challenges and safety concerns. The proposal originated from school administration and has strong support from staff.
What would the upgrade include?
- New projector and motorized, larger screen
- Wireless microphone and Apple TV
- Built-in AV equipment rack
- Repositioning and rewiring of existing speakers with possible addition of a third speaker.
The new system would be wireless, easier to use, and available for assemblies, concerts, PE classes, student presentations, school events, and PAC activities such as movie nights and guest speakers.
What do Doncaster staff think?
All 14 staff members who responded to a survey said the upgrade would be useful, with 57% saying it would make a significant difference and 43% saying it would be nice to have. Staff highlighted improved educational opportunities, better event experiences, and increased safety by removing cords from the gym floor.
What does it cost?
The total estimated cost is $22,000 including supply and installation. (Updated estimate anticipated prior to Oct 14th meeting.) The district requires this work to be sourced through them so we cannot get additional quotes for other vendors/suppliers.
How would it be funded?
- $10,000 has already been approved in the DPAC Special Projects budget. (See DPAC’s 2026-27 Approved Budget here)
- The remaining $12,000 would be transferred from existing DPAC funds through a budget amendment.
No additional fundraising is required to proceed, although DPAC hopes to recover some of the cost through future fundraising efforts.
Why fund it now instead of fundraising first?
This project was first proposed by school administration in February and received positive feedback at our March DPAC meeting. The quote of $21,071.78 was only valid for 30 days, and we weren’t ready to bring a plan to the wider school community, so we tabled it. While we hope to recover some of the cost through future fundraising, the school district requires funds to be approved and available before they can schedule the installation. By using existing DPAC funds now, we can move the project forward and allow students, staff, and families to benefit from the upgraded system sooner, rather than delaying the project until fundraising goals are met. Any future fundraising would help replenish DPAC reserves for upcoming projects and initiatives.
What will DPAC members vote on?
- A budget amendment transferring $12,000 into Special Projects.
- Approval of up to $22,000 from Special Projects for the gym AV upgrade.
Who can vote?
All parents and guardians of students attending Doncaster are voting members of DPAC, per our bylaws.
If you cannot attend but would like to share your feedback or ask questions, please email dpac.doncaster@gmail.com and we will ensure your comments are shared at the meeting.
Thank you for your continued support of our school community.
Sincerely,
DPAC Executive
