Referendum 2024
Construction Updates
The Challenge
Fewer
Students
District enrollment has fallen by 29% over the last 30 years. Currently, our elementary buildings operate at just 68% capacity. The district lost 719 elementary students in eight years.
Lower
Revenue
Fewer students means less revenue from the state to operate schools. Consolidating buildings is the best way to allocate resources to students, classrooms, and learning.
Aging
Buildings
The elementary buildings affected are an average of 70 years old. Consolidating into new and updated buildings is more affordable than maintaining and improving the district’s existing buildings over the next 15 years to keep them safe for students.
The Solution
How much
is the
referendum?
The $53,500,000 referendum, which is just a $0.44 increase over the current mill rate, funds a new, centrally located elementary school, inspired by Northside Elementary, and additions and upgrades to State Road Elementary.
Which
buildings
will close?
Emerson, Spence, and Hintgen Elementary Schools and Hogan Administrative Center will close.
Where will
the affected
students go?
Most students, teachers, and staff from Emerson and Spence elementary schools will move to a new consolidated school. Most from Hintgen Elementary will move to State Road Elementary.
Key Facts
77%
of teachers and staff support the referendum.
79%
of students will live within one mile of their new school.
57%
of students will now live closer to their school.
11%
decrease in estimated maintenance costs.