FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The District has been a good steward of taxpayer resources and has been working to address routine maintenance as it arises. However, when the equipment age is beyond its intended life expectancy, it is more cost effective to replace it with updated and more efficient systems. That time has come for much of the equipment in our schools. Additionally, changes and advances in education require a different approach to teaching and learning today and we need to ensure that our facilities are up to date to meet the changing needs of teachers and students. 

We started with an in-depth review of all our facilities, including details such as indoor air quality, CO2 levels, light and noise levels, adequacy of learning environments, safety, security, etc.  An independent engineering firm did this review and presented findings to the School Board. 

We have been making ongoing maintenance and repairs over the years, and have been working to address routine maintenance as it arises. However, when equipment reaches beyond its intended life expectancy, it is more cost effective to replace it with updated, more efficient systems. That time has come for electrical systems, air handler units, and other district mechanical equipment. Also, advances in education require a different approach today than years ago, and we need to ensure that our facilities are up to date to meet the changing demands. 

A building envelope is commonly defined as the separation of the interior and exterior of a building. It helps facilitate climate control and protect the indoor environment. 

Building envelopes include the exterior walls, foundations, roofing systems, windows and doors.

A secure entrance means that staff control who has access to the building so we know that our students are safe. For example, all entrances require visitors to request access through the building secretaries rather than just enter at-will. This way we can be sure that only visitors we approve have access to our buildings. There are other improvements that could further enhance security, such as improved camera systems, double locked entrances that only allow access through the office, and more. 

Feel free to contact Superintendent Pat Rendle by clicking HERE, speak to a School Board member, or contact one of the 14 individuals that participated in the community focus group meetings. The most important thing is to get your questions answered from someone who can give an accurate response. It’s important to know the facts so that you can make an informed vote on November 7, 2023. 

Career and Technical Education (CTE) is an educational program that focuses on providing students with the knowledge, skills, hands-on learning experiences, and expertise necessary to pursue specific career paths.

CTE includes a wide range of programs, such as:

• Construction

• Trades (plumbing, electrical, mechanical)

• 3D modeling

• Manufacturing, machining, and welding

• Small engine repair and autos

• Robotics

• Engineering (design, layout, CAD, etc.)

• CTE programs benefit all students, and help them gain employment skills, life skills, technical knowledge, and the training they need to thrive in today’s and tomorrow’s workforce. 

• CTE and career-ready programs offer the greatest chance for students sticking with school, graduating, and pursuing a career right out of high school, or choosing to enroll in college. 

• When our students can see how their learning directly correlates with what their goals are after high school, they stay engaged and focused. CTE programs help students make connections between school and the real world. 

• Through CTE programs, students can attain the skills they need in high school to be employable right after graduation. 

• CTE programs help students learn and practice critical 21st Century skills including creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. 

• CTE programs do so much more than simply prepare students for jobs in skilled careers. These programs create higher graduation rates, increase understanding in science and math, teach critical soft skills like creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, and help students explore potential career paths. 

• CTE associate degrees can pay $10,000 more per year than associate degrees in other fields – and can even pay more than bachelor’s degrees – while limiting student debt. 

• CTE is the answer to the nation’s projected deficit of 6.5 million skilled workers, including infrastructure and manufacturing work-force shortages. 

• CTE students earn industry certifications and licenses, postsecondary certificates, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees and higher. 

• Fulfills employer needs that are high skill, high wage, and high demand jobs. 

• This project takes the traditional “shop class” into the 21st century and prepares students for relevant and meaningful careers right here in our community. 

The bond rate is fixed for 20 years.