14:45During the meeting, the importance of the referendum was underscored by school officials, who explained that if the measure fails, the district would lose out on approximately $2.9 million in state funding. This loss would necessitate the district bearing the full financial burden of the planned improvements, potentially impacting the school’s budget and delaying essential projects. The referendum is positioned as a vital step to ensure the health and safety of students and staff, with improvements planned at multiple schools.

0:28The proposed projects include upgrades such as exterior strobe light installations, security camera replacements, and public address system updates across all schools to ensure effective communication during emergencies. Additionally, playground equipment at the elementary schools is slated for replacement, addressing both safety and recreational needs. Specific schools will see targeted improvements, such as floor repairs at Alt School, door replacements at Mount Horeb School, and storage upgrades at Central School, which is recognized as the oldest in the district. The Middle School is set to receive a new security vestibule and gym facility updates, including replacement of outdated partition walls to meet fire codes and enhance security.

Architects involved in the project emphasized that these upgrades are critical, not merely aesthetic, and are aimed at improving the educational environment and safety for all students. The state is expected to contribute approximately 34% of the project costs through debt service aid, while the local share of $5.6 million will be covered by capital reserves.

14:45Board members and district officials stressed the significance of the referendum, noting that this is the third no-tax-impact measure proposed in the past six years. They highlighted the district’s enviable position of being able to secure $24 million worth of projects with state assistance, a feat attributed to careful financial planning and maintenance of facilities.

In addition to the referendum discussion, the meeting also covered various board member reports and committee updates. Miss Bridget Granholm was appointed as the board’s representative to the Warren Township opioid advisory committee. Meanwhile, Mr. Todd Weinstein provided an update on the Wong Hills shared services regionalization study advisory committee, detailing progress in data collection and preparation for public outreach. A town hall meeting is planned for early April to discuss the study’s findings, with a preliminary report expected in May.

The finance, operations, and security committee reported ongoing budget preparations, with state aid figures anticipated within 72 hours to complete the budget puzzle. The committee also reviewed opportunities for shared services and discussed the status of a crosswalk project near Woodland School. Personnel negotiations and communications committee meetings focused on reviewing job descriptions and potential position title changes.

Public commentary was invited during the meeting, but no comments were made during the initial opportunity. Dr. Matthew Mingle provided an update on a student’s change of placement, clarifying it was not a new placement. The board subsequently approved several agenda items unanimously, with no items pulled for separate consideration.

A second opportunity for public commentary was opened, yet again, no comments were offered by the public. The board then proceeded to a closed session to discuss specific personnel matters, which lasted approximately 15 minutes. Upon returning to the public session, a motion to adjourn the meeting was made and passed unanimously, concluding the evening’s discussions.