Leaders at St. Joseph Public Schools are spreading the word about a $98.5 million bond proposal set to appear on the ballot in May.
Superintendent Jenny Fee tells us the district spent about a year studying all facilities and determined it’s time to address long-term needs.
“We have significant infrastructure needs that need to be tended to that our general fund amount cannot in any way fund over the years,” fee said. “So, the bond is a long-term look, so it’s a little bit different than previous bonds St. Joe has done where there’s been a specific need like build a fieldhouse or put secure entrances in. This one is every single building across the entire district.”
Fee says about half the bond would pay for infrastructure, while the other half would go toward improving the classroom experience. Among other things, it would pay for roof work districtwide, new boilers, athletic facilities, and updated classrooms.
Fee says $98 million is a lot to ask for, but this bond would take the district far into the future.
“We could have gone out for $45 million and then gone out four years later for another $45 million, but you’re going to end up close to the same spot. So we wanted to do a more comprehensive look now so that we can do planning and look towards the future versus looking towards right now or the short term.”
Fee also notes the last bond, in 2010, was $38 million, telling us if you adjust for inflation, it would be about $70 million today. And that bond only did some work at the high school. This bond would improve all buildings.
A new website, SJPSFuture.org, has been launched to answer any questions people might have. It includes a tax calculator so property owners can find out just how much they would have to pay. Also, a meeting is planned for tomorrow, March 18 at 6 p.m. at Upton Middle School for the district to explain the bond to everyone.
