The central topic of the meeting was the need for the referendum, which is set to address the district’s space and infrastructure challenges. Currently, the district’s elementary schools are experiencing overcrowding, with classrooms exceeding their intended capacity. This has led to creative but less-than-ideal solutions such as using multifunctional classrooms, implementing staggered lunch periods, and repurposing cafeteria spaces for music classes. The overcrowding issue has been recognized as a significant barrier to maintaining educational quality.

The LR school purchase, part of the referendum, is proposed as a solution to relieve this overcrowding by reallocating preschool classes from the elementary schools, thereby freeing up nine classrooms for other grade levels or additional programming. The anticipated state aid of $1.4 million for HVAC, fire alarms, and electrical upgrades would offset the purchase cost of the LR school.

The referendum includes two questions posed to voters. The first question, with an estimated cost of $44.8 million, pertains to the purchase of the LR school and necessary infrastructure upgrades. If approved, it would result in an approximate $150 annual increase for the average taxpayer. The second question relates to staffing needs for the LR school, requiring an additional $1.1 million to cover positions such as an administrator, nurse, and custodial staff, translating to about $108 per year for taxpayers. Together, these measures aim to address both the acquisition of the school and its operational requirements.

Officials emphasized the severe consequences if the referendum fails, noting that necessary safety improvements would still need to be addressed, albeit in a less efficient and more costly manner without dedicated funding. The failure to secure the LR school would exacerbate overcrowding, potentially leading to larger class sizes and the elimination of full-day kindergarten, a decision that would be seen as regressive in the community’s educational offerings.

Additionally, there is concern over the potential sale of the LR school property for residential development if the district does not reacquire it, which could further strain community resources and educational capacity. This possibility underscores the urgency of the referendum, as acquiring the LR school is considered a more cost-effective solution compared to expanding existing buildings, which would involve logistical challenges and higher expenses.

The referendum’s financial structure was detailed, highlighting that the district has not gone to referendum for general infrastructure needs in 20 years, instead relying on its operating budget. The last referendum, focused on sports field improvements, did not address the broader infrastructure. The current needs surpass what can be managed within the operating budget, making the referendum indispensable.

Community engagement efforts were discussed, with officials stressing the importance of voter education and participation. An informational session is scheduled for January 16 at Terrell Middle School, where district officials will address community questions. A dedicated website, spfk12.org, and open mic events are also part of the campaign to ensure voters are well-informed. The district’s approach reflects feedback from a previous referendum that was not well-received, prompting a more focused strategy this time around. Officials underscored that state aid would reduce the tax burden on local taxpayers.