Friday Fact 9/27

Why is the proposed referendum higher than before and what does it include? 

We understand that $224.6 million is a significant investment, and it is not something that we take lightly.

The November 2024 referendum will fund the construction of a new high school designed to serve 2,400 students. This includes modern science labs, expanded fine arts spaces, career and technical education labs, a three-court gym, a fieldhouse, and a stadium with a track and bleachers. Additionally, the referendum covers the cost of athletic fields and sufficient parking for students, staff and visitors. The design also allows common areas and the auditorium to accommodate up to 3,000 students, meaning we can expand the building with future classroom additions when needed.

The proposed referendum also includes site work and road improvements along Route 47, as well as costs for furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) for the new building. Originally, we planned to cover FF&E costs using District funds, but our recent $11 million investment in classroom additions at CHS has made it necessary to include these costs in the referendum. The overall plan would convert Central High School, Prairie Knolls Middle School, and Central Middle School into other grade level centers (an estimated $5.75 – $6.25 million) but those costs would be covered through District funds, not the referendum. Lastly, construction costs continue to rise each year, further contributing to the increased cost of this referendum.

Even though the referendum amount has risen, our commitment to meeting the District’s needs in the most cost-effective way remains the same. Instead of addressing these needs through smaller, piecemeal projects over several years (which would ultimately cost more due to rising construction costs), this plan tackles everything in one comprehensive project. By investing now, we avoid the risk of even higher costs in the future. 

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