FACILITIES REFERENDUM

The facility challenges at our two schools are too costly to address through the district’s annual budget alone. MSD needs a voter-approved capital referendum to do so. If voters approve the referendum, MSD can issue debt (via a general obligation bond) to pay for these improvements.

Comprehensive professional facility assessments have identified millions of dollars in necessary improvements at the middle school and high school. These include:Aging major building systemsParts of the HVAC systems are failing, and most classrooms lack air conditioning.Plumbing systems have exceeded their expected service life and need repairs. Windows and doors are worn, leaking, and inefficient.Interior lighting is not energy efficient.Inadequate safety and securitySecurity systems (cameras, door locks/controls, public address system) are outdated and often fail to work properly.Areas of the schools (restrooms, locker rooms, science labs, auditorium) do not meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.The middle school entrance is not configured to properly monitor and control visitor access.The middle school playground equipment is worn and does not meet current safety requirements.Outdated classrooms and support areasCareer and technical education classrooms and labs are outdated. Music classrooms are outdated, poorly configured, and too small to meet growing student demand.The high school auditorium is more than 50 years old and has worn seating, an obsolete sound system, and inefficient stage lighting. Science labs are outdated, not set up for hands-on learning, and not configured for use by different classes. There is not enough flexible space for small- and large-group instruction and student group work.

Yes, community input directly shaped the revised proposal on the November ballot. The survey specifically asked respondents about three potential project options. The one most favored was a $68 million capital referendum proposal with a corresponding tax impact of $0.47 per $1,000 of property value.

Aging roofs, mechanical systems, electrical infrastructure, and other building components will continue to require maintenance and replacement, and the costs associated with this work will continue to rise due to inflation.The Board of Education and administration will continue maintaining our schools with available resources, but we are limited by what we can complete through our annual budget and maintenance plan. We will prioritize immediate health, safety, and operational needs while evaluating what work could reasonably be postponed.

By acting now, we can address critical infrastructure needs and provide students with learning environments and resources that meet their needs.Delaying the proposed facilities referendum projects will lead to higher costs later due to inflation and expensive emergency repairs that would likely disrupt student learning.

The district is seeking proposals from commercial real estate agents to list the property for sale.