School Board votes to reduce bond for new schools; approves fundraising efforts

Updated 08/11/2022: The resolution has been updated to reflect amendments approved by the board during the August 9 meeting; paragraph four, third sentence was amended to include "and potential enhancements."

On Tuesday, August 9, 2022, the School Board voted 5-0 in favor of resolution language for a new elementary, new middle school, and renovations to the high school in the amount of $115,943,324 in preparation for a Town Council vote on August 22.  The council must authorize this expenditure, which shows a $10 million reduction, and the issuance of the Town’s general obligations bonds in order for the project to go to a Town referendum vote November 8.   Vice Chair Heather Altenburg and board member Elizabeth Scifres did not attend the board meeting.

In addition to approving the bond language, the School Board voted 5-0 in favor of authorizing Superintendent Christopher Record to pursue private donations to enhance and support the building project up to $5 million.

Based on feedback received during a July 26 joint workshop with the Town Council, the board discussed potential scope reductions for the project at an August 4 workshop.  At the workshop, the architects from Simons Architects, presented the board with a list of possible scope modifications which could lower the total cost by $10 million.  Included in the presentation was the identification of features within the project which could either be built in the future and/or added funded through fundraising efforts. Following deliberation, the board concluded that fundraising efforts would be used to provide specific items and lower the tax impact to residents. 

The August 9 resolution, approved by the board, stipulates fundraising efforts will be allowed to pursue: increased seating of the auditorium to 650 seats; purchase and installation of a roof solar array; purchase and installation of a green roof; design and installation of an amphitheater; design and installation of concession space at the middle school; the expand the fitness room space at the middle school; enhance outdoor learning spaces; and other potential enhancements. 

The Town Council will hold a public hearing and a vote regarding the bond language and referendum on Monday, August 22 at 7:00 p.m.

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