Last Monday evening saw the Fern Ridge School District Board hold their monthly meeting. During this time, it was revealed that if voters pass a bond measure for $15.6 million in May, the district is on the short list to also receive a grant for $6 million.
This bond, if passed, would result in homeowners being charged $2.20 per $1,000 of value in their home and is based on other districts statewide. While nobody likes higher taxes, the benefits are many. As stated by Scott Rose, a Facilities Consultant hired by the district, the monies would be spent on such things as a new track at Elmira High School complete with a synthetic turf football field in the center and aluminum grandstands. Also included in the plan is loose equipment such as hurdles, pole vaults, and a scoreboard along with plans for a new restroom/concession building. Veneta Elementary School could see a gymnasium upgrade complete with a new floor, pads, ceilings, equipment, and improved heating. Expanded field development for grades K-12 as well as the community in general is also included in the district’s “bucket list.” Safety is also a concern, and exterior doors that have reached the end of their lifespans and are not latching properly at the high school will be replaced with the passage of the bond and the receipt of the grant, and a 6’ chain-link perimeter with fire department approved lane gates will be installed. Heating and ventilation systems issues at both the high school and the middle school will be addressed and the middle school science wing will be updated for contemporary instruction/STEM with these renovations resulting in code improvements to interior ramps. Also, to be potentially addressed is the stand-alone covered shelter, which is decaying as well as too small, with conversation to focus on options for another outdoor area for students to enjoy, possibly resulting in repurposed space off the gym and commons that will facilitate wallball, hoops, and seating. The middle school Home Economics room could also see renovation as could the Band and Choir rooms and all General Education classrooms. Veneta Elementary School, Fern Ridge Middle School, and Elmira High School could all see repaved parking lots and in the case of the elementary school, an expansion, along with a reconfiguration of the middle school parking lot to relive the congestion as parents drop off and pick up their children. Further work at Veneta Elementary focuses on the playground and the flooding that impedes access to the play structures. Elmira Elementary has issues with poor drainage at the rear of the building that would be addressed, and the kindergarten playground needs to be enlarged. It is also hoped to add a walking track comprised of a ¼ mile of wood chips around Elmira’s field. The School Board will not officially vote to put this bond on the ballot, however, until their meeting in February when things will then become official. At this time, they will take a vote with certain projects included as put together by a community bond planning committee. Whie it may seem like a lot of work that the district has planned and maybe even pie in the sky to some, it has been worked out so all of it is covered under the bond and the potential grant and would be a boon to students, staff, and parents alike. But the decision will ultimately rest with voters and what they are or are not willing to do. Should the Board vote to go ahead with the bond, and it seems likely, voters will at least have time to think about the pros and cons of either voting for or against it, and hopefully will make a decision that will be in the best interest of all, in particular the children.
2 Comments
Michele Lauritzen
2/23/2024 10:42:04 am
The board should absolutely bring the bond to the voters. It sounds like a great opportunity for improving said schools.
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Mark Birrn
3/22/2024 05:46:07 pm
Tax payers are currently paying $2.20 per thousand. This bond will continue with that amount. There WILL NOT be a raise in taxes! https://www.fernridgebond.com/
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