Background

REFERENDUM BACKGROUND

As you may be aware, the District has been working to develop a plan to address needed facility updates. The process began in November 2019 when a team of facility experts from ISG conducted a comprehensive facility assessment.

The study identified:

• Building Maintenance Needs

Due to the age of the Secondary School, the roof, heating and cooling (HVAC) system, and plumbing are in need of replacement. In addition, updates are needed to lighting, flooring, cabinetry, and paint.

• Classroom Renovations and Updates

The classrooms at the Secondary School no longer meet the needs of today’s learners. The spaces lack the flexibility for both large and small group instruction, hands-on project-based learning, and the use of technology.

• Safety + Security Enhancements

The main entrances at both schools are in need of updates to protect the safety of staff and students. The Secondary School needs an access control system to monitor all of the building’s entrances. In addition, the traffic flow around the schools needs to be redesigned to improve pedestrian safety.

• Space Shortages

The District has experienced enrollment growth over the past 10 years. As a result, the elementary school now has three classes (sections) per grade level. This has caused a space challenge and the school has been forced to repurpose storage rooms and other spaces into classrooms.

A TASK FORCE OF PARENTS, COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND STAFF HAS BEEN MEETING FOR MONTHS TO REVIEW THE DATA AND CONSIDER THE BEST PLAN TO ADDRESS THE DISTRICT’S NEEDS IN THE MOST COST-EFFECTIVE WAY.