Why is the district looking at doing this work now? We are proud of our student’s many accomplishments in many different areas. We want to create a school environment that represents their success and enhances our ability to deliver a high-quality, well rounded education. Our current sinking fund is expiring at the end of this year. The 1998 Construction Bond (which was refinanced in 2005) will also be paid off this year. By the end of this year, we will be collecting $0 dollars to repair, maintain, or improve our facilities. That need still remains even if that millage is no longer there. The district initially was only considering renewing the existing sinking fund. A facility survey sought the input of our staff, families, and community members. To assist with that further planning, the district hired Plante Moran Cresa to conduct an unbiased and objective assessment of our facilities and help us prioritize our needs. Their extensive analysis determined, among other items, that: Many school buildings are more than 50 years old, with many original fixtures and infrastructures that are aged, worn out, and inefficient. Space is not used efficiently, the district portables are still utilized, the aging elementary schools are too expensive to renovate or operate. Safety and security needs to be addressed at every school. Drop off areas and parking lots are a major safety concern. Most buildings are not energy efficient and include single pane windows, lack of a temperature control system, and below adequate insulation. The district does not want to fall behind in its ability to provide a high quality educational environment for students. Neighboring districts are investing more into their facilities and technology to keep them upgraded. Based on this analysis, it was deemed that additional investment into school facilities, above our current resources, was necessary to maintain, and continue to improve upon, our high student achievement.
Posted on: Sun, 23 Mar 2014 19:02:29 +0000
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