why is the district pursuing a referendum now?
This is an excellent time for new construction projects. Interest rates are at record lows, construction labor is more readily available, and contract competition is high, resulting in a lower price for the construction of the proposed plan.
The school board determined that waiting won’t change the need to invest in our schools, but it’s likely the cost will increase.
With the district’s current bond debt set to expire in 2025, now is the time to take advantage of low-interest rates for our next long-term investments.
Nearly 85% of project costs are for construction, with opportunities for local subcontractors to join the project.
Maxfield Research and Consulting, an independent firm that studies the economic impacts of construction projects, estimates the project will generate $30.9 million of additional economic activity beyond the construction benefits in our area and create approximately 117 new jobs.
This return on investment would be about double what businesses would pay in property taxes for their portion of bond repayments (about $15 million over the course of the 26-year debt).
To meet the needs of all students, we must invest in a dynamic learning environment that prepares students for both college and careers after high school. Most of the referendum focuses on improving our 50-year-old high school and will renovate and expand space for a growing career and technical education (CTE) program.
A key component of the plan includes moving our 7th and 8th graders to a separate wing at the high school, so their exposure to potential careers and CTE opportunities can begin earlier than what we can provide now.
If the referendum passes, we will further expand technical training and other career development programs. Local businesses will benefit when more graduates are ready to work in their chosen fields.
DIDN’T WE JUST VOTE ON A REFERENDUM?
In November 2020, local residents narrowly turned down two referendum questions. Since then, the district has re-engaged the community to answer their questions and address their priorities. The feedback that the district received has been overwhelmingly positive about the plan. It is clear that many residents need a little more time to consider the best way to move forward.
Many residents asked the school board to bring a revised investment plan back to voters. In response to residents’ suggestions, the school board made changes to the plan, including consolidating the plan into one ballot question and simplifying the ballot language.
We encourage residents to consider voting from home by absentee ballot or voting early. Learn more about voting here.