Embedded Files
When is the revote?
The revote will be held on January 10, 2023 from 7 AM through 7 PM in the Bellows Free Academy Middle School Gymnasium.
Will ballots be mailed to all voters?
In accordance with 16 VSA 2661, Absentee Ballots will be mailed to all voters who requested one in the original vote. All other registered voters can request an absentee ballot or vote in person on January 10th.
How do I request an absentee ballot?
Absentee ballots can be requested from the Fairfax Town Clerk by calling (802) 849-6111 or visiting the Town Office.
What if the project goes over budget?
The project cannot go over budget. The School Board is authorized to spend up to $36,415,580 if the bond is approved. The goal will be to spend less than that amount. If, as the project commences, it appears that it may go over budget, decisions will need to be made to reduce the scope of the project to keep it within the approved amount.
Q: How much will this cost the average household?
A: Based on a 30 year bond, at 4.09% interest, please review the table below.
Why weren’t ballots mailed to all registered voters?
Legally, the school board is only authorized to mail ballots to all voters for their Annual Meeting (Town Meeting) with the permission of the Town Select Board. This is specified in Vermont Statutes Annotated 17 VSA 2680. In making the decision to have Absentee Ballots available through the usual and customary process, several other factors were considered, but ultimately, the decision was the legally correct one.
How was information shared prior to the Bond Vote?
The Board reestablished the Long Range Facilities Planning Committee (LRFPC) on March 14, 2022 at a Regular Meeting
Community volunteers for the LRFPC were requested on April 14, 2022 via a School Messenger email
Community Committee members were appointed by the board on May 9, 2022 at a Regular Meeting.
The committee met on May 16, May 31, June 15, July 11, and August 10, 2022
Committee members attended various Fairfax events throughout the summer to share information about the proposal
The proposed plan was presented by Black River Design on August 9, 2022 at a Regular Board Meeting
The cost estimate for the Bond project was shared on September 7, 2022 at a Special Board Meeting.
The board voted to move the bond proposal forward on September 12, 2022 at a Regular Board Meeting.
A flier was mailed to all Fairfax residents.
Tours of the school were available on October 1, 2022 at 9 AM, October 15, 2022 at 9 AM, and October 19th at 6PM. Individual tours at other times were provided by request.
A postcard with instructions on obtaining an absentee ballot was sent to all Fairfax residents.
A Special Meeting to discuss the Bond Proposal was held on November 3, 2022
Why was the timeline from formation of the committee to the bond vote only 8 months?
The need for school improvement has been under discussion since 2015. The current project contained many of the same elements as the proposals presented to the community in 2017 and 2019. This proposal focused on the need for additional classroom and office space as well as safety and accessibility. Administrators met with Black River Design throughout the summer to develop plans to meet the needs of current and future students and staff.
Why didn’t the Board wait until Town Meeting Day for the Bond Vote?
The November Bond Vote provided the best opportunity for completion of construction on a timeline that met the needs of BFA’s growing student population as they entered middle school in Fall 2024. A Bond Vote in March 2023 would delay completion of construction until Fall 2025.
Was the vote legal?
All requirements for a Special Meeting for the Bond Vote were met. This includes placement of the Warning in five locations, publication of the Warning in the St Albans Messenger for three consecutive weeks, and the Special Meeting to discuss the Bond Proposal on November 3, 2022
What happens if the bond is rejected by the voters?
A 'no' vote on the bond question would postpone the timeline. Any construction or renovation would be delayed by at least one year. The Fairfax School Board and Long-Range Facilities Planning Committee would revisit the proposal and gather information from the community to bring it back for a vote at a later time.
Have other Questions? Email enoonan@fwsu.org and we will post answers here.
How can I get more information?
January 5th, 2023 @ 6:00 pm informational meeting in the Flex Room
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