| The Fort Wayne Community Schools Board of School Trustees reviewed a proposal for a $130 million tax-neutral bond referendum that could be considered by voters in May 2016.
The project is the second phase in the District’s long-term facility plan and would provide improvements at 42 buildings, including major renovations at 10 schools, security improvements at 25 schools, expanded parent pick-up lanes at five schools and air conditioning at six schools. At the completion of this project, all FWCS school buildings would be air conditioned. Because of the timing of the projects, the referendum would not cause an increase in the District tax rate. In 2012, voters overwhelmingly approved a $119 million bond referendum to pay for major repairs at 10 buildings, as well as roof catch-ups at 28 buildings, window and masonry work at eight buildings and air conditioning at six buildings. The project is wrapping up on time and $2 million under budget. In November, the community is invited to visit schools that were improved through the first REPAIR project and learn about which schools would be included in the next round of improvements. Community meetings will be held:
In addition to the building tour and presentation at Snider on Nov.16, there will be a tree planting at 4:30 p.m. The tree will be dedicated in memory of former Facilities Director Steve Parker, who was dedicated to ensuring students had quality learning environments and was instrumental in designing the long-range facility plan. He died of ALS shortly after the 2012 referendum. |
Following the community meetings, members of the Board of School Trustees will formally consider the proposal at a 1028 Public Hearing on Monday, Dec. 14. If the Board approves moving forward with the plan, it will be placed on the May 3, 2016, ballot.
