The proposed referendum is crucial for the District’s future

It provides financial stability and reduces overall operating costs by replacing the outdated 1925 building with a new addition. While there is a tax impact, careful planning has allowed us to manage this by extending debt from the 2008 bond, resulting in a smaller net tax increase. 

Timing is key—delaying the project could lead to higher costs and borrowing limitations

Addressing the building’s significant maintenance issues will prevent increased insurance costs and potential loss of coverage, freeing up operational funds for educational improvements. Investing in a new structure is more cost-effective than renovating the old one, which would reduce educational space and increase long-term expenses.

The District is financially solvent for the future and the bond referendum does not put solvency in jeopardy. In fact the bond may provide additional stability by helping to reduce overall operating costs of the district.

Although there is a tax impact associated with this project, paying off debt from our 2008 bond will allow us to extend (reissue) debt for the new addition. This allows us to manage the overall net tax increase seen by taxpayers. As a result, the tax increase is less than if we were adding to the 2008 debt.

The District is being careful with the timing of this project. By waiting until after the 2008 debt is paid off, we can manage the new debt responsibly. However, delaying the project would lead to higher costs from construction inflation and borrowing limits set by the State will make it harder to complete the project in the future.

This project aligns with the District's long-term planning goals by helping to further stabilize budgets and improve educational facilities for students and staff. If not pursued, the District may encounter higher maintenance expenses and could potentially see students choose other districts that have upgraded their learning environments. This trend could affect enrollment numbers and have implications for the District's future funding and resources.

In the past three years, the District has spent over $500,000 on insurance claims related to the 1925 building’s failing infrastructure, including plumbing issues and asbestos abatement. These issues have also led to higher insurance premiums and the risk of losing our insurance coverage. This project will address these issues, allowing us to redirect these funds into educational programs that benefit students.

Although the 1925 building has served its purpose well over the years, investing in its renovation is too costly in the long run. Remodeling would reduce the space available for educational programs due to the need for ADA and other code-required updates that require additional space.