FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Updates and improvements would occur at the High School Building in Anita in preparation of moving all grade levels to one building. A comprehensive and detailed project scope will be communicated once the Board officially calls for an election.

• Construct a classroom addition to accommodate elementary students, creating a K-12 campus.

• Mechanical, electrical and fire systems improvements.

• Secure entry improvements.

• Technology and security improvements.

The total cost of the referendum would be $22,500,000. It would be paid for by issuing General Obligation bonds that would be repaid over 20 years. The final tax impact is not able to be fully calculated yet, but the tax levy is estimated to be $2.70 per $1,000 of TAXABLE value aVer the rollback and homestead credits are applied. The State, however, has not established what the rollback and homestead credit amounts will be yet.

To keep our district viable into the future due to gradual declining enrollment. School districts are funded largely based on enrollment and consolidation to a single building will reduce operating costs and bring the budget in line with our enrollment.

The School District receives money each year from the Federal and State governments, as well as local taxpayers. The Federal and State money mainly pays for everyday things like teachers' salaries, programs, and school supplies. But when it comes to fixing or upgrading our buildings, that's mostly up to our local communities. If there are big costs for building projects, the district needs to ask voters to approve a referendum so they can borrow money to pay for them.

Declining enrollment and rising costs make it financially unsustainable to maintain multiple buildings. Consolidating into one campus will allow the district to better allocate resources and ensure long-term viability.

If the referendum does not pass, the district’s ability to maintain two campuses becomes uncertain. While we may be able to continue operating both campuses for some years, we fully expect that maintaining both buildings long-term will put a strain on district resources, which could impact educational quality.

The long-term viability of the district is in question without consolidation. Without consolidation, the district would likely need to revisit the issue in the near future, which could involve cutting programs, increasing class sizes, or making other difficult financial decisions. Additionally, maintaining aging buildings with significant repair needs will divert resources away from improving educational opportunities for our students.

The referendum is designed to provide a long-term solution that supports the district’s financial stability and ensures that we can continue to offer high-quality education to all students.

In 2021, the district proposed a $30.5 million bond to update both campuses, but it didn’t pass. Since then, a task force made up of residents from all four communities carefully studied our facilities and finances. They considered keeping both campuses but realized it would be a poor long-term investment.

Financial projections show that even with repairs, the district likely couldn’t afford to operate both buildings in the future due to declining enrollment and rising costs. The task force recommended consolidating into a single campus in Anita as the most financially responsible option to ensure the district’s long-term viability. 

Anita was chosen based on logistics, capacity, and efficiency. The current high school/middle school campus in Anita has the space and infrastructure needed to expand and accommodate elementary students more effectively.

Anita was chosen based on logistics, capacity, and efficiency. The current high school/middle school campus in Anita has the space and infrastructure needed to expand and accommodate elementary students more effectively.

Consolidating to one campus will allow for more efficient use of resources, improved facilities, and stronger educational programs. This means more opportunities for students, including expanded Career and Technical Education options.

• The district will explore options for the building, including selling, repurposing, or leasing.

• No decisions have been made yet.

• The district will work with the community to find a solution that benefits Massena.

Class sizes are not expected to increase significantly. In fact, consolidation may allow for better distribution of resources and support, which could enhance the student-to-teacher ratio.

While the future is uncertain, the district is acting on the best available financial information. By consolidating now, we’re positioning the district to be financially stable and capable of adapting to future changes.

No. The goal of the referendum is to prevent the district from closing by making necessary changes now to ensure long-term sustainability. Without these changes, closure could become a reality within the next decade.

The district has already factored declining enrollment into its plans. Consolidation helps by reducing overhead costs, making the district more sustainable even with fewer students.

The district will work to ensure that transportation is efficient and manageable for all students. While some adjustments may be necessary, transportation plans will be made to accommodate the new single campus.

The district understands that this is a concern for Massena residents. While change is difficult, maintaining a strong school district within the community—rather than losing it entirely—helps protect property values overall.

If the bond is approved, construction is expected to begin as soon as possible, with a clear timeline established to minimize disruption and complete the necessary expansions efficiently.

The district will continue to provide updates through official communications, public meetings, and the district’s website and social media. We encourage all community members to stay engaged and ask questions.