Servel Facility Committee gathers information for recommendation

The independent fact-finding committee charged with assessing the current state of the Idaho State University Presidential Residence Facility is reviewing information to make a recommendation to the University about how to meet the institution’s needs in the future.

The group, comprised of community members, students and faculty, met Tuesday to discuss several possibilities for the future of the presidential residence facility, including reconstruction of the current Servel House, construction of a new facility, purchasing a facility or offering a presidential stipend for housing.

“We’re considering all possible options within the Idaho State Board of Education’s Governing Policies and Procedures,” Valerie Hoybjerg, committee chairwoman said.

Issues discussed included community support for the various options, the cost of renovation and new construction, and the need for a proper facility to host donor and other University business events. The process has been in-depth as the committee completes a comprehensive assessment of the options.

Committee members looked at potential plans for reconstruction of the Servel House, and are weighing the costs of each option. According to local contractors, Hoybjerg said, the cost of reconstruction would likely be more than the cost of building a new facility. However, the committee also recognized the history surrounding the Servel House and its location near campus. The committee also discussed the possibility of offering a presidential housing stipend rather than a facility. Options for purchasing existing properties are limited in the area, committee members said.

“Our research has indicated that, as a standard practice nationally, most university presidents are provided with a housing package as part of their contract,” Hoybjerg explained. “Our charge is to determine what is in the best interest of the University, both now and in the future.”

The committee will meet again in three weeks to finalize its recommendations.

Suggestions and comments for the committee can be emailed to servelcomm@isu.edu.