/// WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: TOP 5 FAQS

The Board of Education and district administration thoroughly explored about 10 different options when planning for the bond referendum. These options did not make it out of the exploratory phase as they were deemed operationally inadequate due to location, environmental, and/or traffic pattern concerns.  

The district also explored constructing a new K-5 elementary school on the land surrounding the middle school. However, the location was found to be too wet to build on and a traffic study of the area revealed that it would be too dangerous, considering the size of the school and the number of students and staff it would serve. The school would serve about 1500 students and 200 staff members. 

Additionally, redistricting was considered, which would ultimately move one problem to another school. Future anticipated enrollment can be absorbed at every school other than Alpine School; however, full grade moving was not viable.  

Ultimately, the district and Board of Education, along with professional advisors, agreed that an addition to Alpine School was the most fiscally responsible option to address the needs and goals of the community. Additionally, the Alpine addition qualifies for significantly more state aid than a brand-new building would, due to the state funding formula.  

Replacing windows, doors, HVAC systems, boilers, electrical systems, and roofs at elementary schools would lessen the need for emergency, costly repairs and create more efficient buildings for the future. These improvements protect the community’s investment in the school buildings. When completed with bond funding, these projects qualify for state aid. Not to mention the high school and middle school would also receive updates in the referendum.   

Addressing these facility improvements through a referendum means the district could focus its annual budget on academics.  

The state requires school districts to assign project work through a competitive bidding process.   

To preserve the integrity of the process and ensure the district receives the lowest pricing available, school districts typically do not share an itemized list of estimated costs in advance.    

Once a referendum passes, architects will dedicate the resources needed to develop detailed requests for contractors’ proposals. The work goes to the lowest qualified bidder.   

Contingency amounts are built into the project costs to account for potential changes in market conditions and other factors. The district is not allowed to spend more than the amount approved by voters and cannot spend funds on projects other than those included in the referendum.  

A ‘YES’ vote means:  

• $16.9 million in state aid 

• More classroom space at Alpine School, eliminating trailers as classrooms 

• Modern and technology-friendly spaces, including a high school biomedical lab  

• Efficient and safe building systems across the school district 

• Dedicated space for small group instruction as well as specials, including art, Spanish, music and computer science 

• New, high school-sized gym, serving a dual-purpose for school and community use 

A ‘NO’ vote means:  

• No state aid - taxpayers pay 100% for future projects 

• No science lab updates at the High School to enhance STEM programming  

• Continued overcrowding at Alpine School, including trailers as classrooms 

• Inefficient & costly mechanical and HVAC systems, with no funds to replace systems 

• Small group instruction held in the hallway of Alpine School 

Sparta’s Board of Education chose September to time the referendum with the payoff of debt from the middle school, lessening the tax impact for residents.   

The referendum process includes a significant review by the state Department of Education, which leads to the commitment of state aid. Between receiving approval from the state and holding a referendum, the Board of Education wanted to ensure there was plenty of time for residents to learn about the needs, proposed solutions and advantages of state aid. 

The state offers five bond referendum dates each year to give school districts flexibility. In addition to the General Election in November, referendum dates are available in January, March, September and December.  

A September referendum, if approved, puts the district in the best position to start construction next summer. Before work can begin, the district's architects must make detailed designs, prepare for a competitive bidding process, award contracts and secure permits. A November election would tighten this timeline. 

The district is taking many steps to inform the public, including through local media, community outreach events, a website, social media, a town-wide postcard and yard signs and more.