News release from the Fort Wayne Community Schools:
FWCS presents next building plan, announces community meetings
(October 29, 2015) – The Fort Wayne Community Schools Board of School Trustees reviewed a proposal for a $130 million tax-neutral bond referendum that could be considered by voters in May 2016.
The project is the second phase in the District’s long-term facility plan and would provide improvements at 42 buildings, including major renovations at 10 schools, security improvements at 25 schools, expanded parent pick-up lanes at five schools and air conditioning at six schools. At the completion of this project, all FWCS school buildings would be air conditioned. Because of the timing of the projects, the referendum would not cause an increase in the District tax rate.
In 2012, voters overwhelmingly approved a $119 million bond referendum to pay for major repairs at 10 buildings, as well as roof catch-ups at 28 buildings, window and masonry work at eight buildings and air conditioning at six buildings. The project is wrapping up on time and $2 million under budget.
In November, the community is invited to visit schools that were improved through the first REPAIR project and learn about which schools would be included in the next round of improvements. Community meetings will be held:
- Monday, Nov. 16 – Snider High School, 4600 Fairlawn Pass Tree Planting, 4:30 p.m.; Building Tour, 5 p.m.; Presentation, 6 p.m.
- Tuesday, Nov. 17 – Northrop High School, 7001 Coldwater Road Presentation, 2 p.m.
- Tuesday, Nov. 17 – Weisser Park Elementary, 902 Colerick St. Building Tour, 5 p.m.; Presentation, 6 p.m.
- Wednesday, Nov. 18 – Harrison Hill Elementary, 355 Cornell Circle Building Tour, 5 p.m.; Presentation, 6 p.m.
In addition to the building tour and presentation at Snider on Nov.16, there will be a tree planting at 4:30 p.m. The tree will be dedicated in memory of former Facilities Director Steve Parker, who was dedicated to ensuring students had quality learning environments and was instrumental in designing the long-range facility plan. He died of ALS shortly after the 2012 referendum.
Following the community meetings, members of the Board of School Trustees will formally consider the proposal at a 1028 Public Hearing on Monday, Dec. 14. If the Board approves moving forward with the plan, it will be placed on the May 3, 2016, ballot.
About Fort Wayne Community Schools
With nearly 31,000 students, Fort Wayne Community Schools is one of the largest school districts in Indiana. FWCS proudly allows families to choose any of its 51 schools through its successful school-choice program creating diversity in each school, including some with more than 75 languages spoken. FWCS offers seven magnet schools focusing on areas such as science and math, communication, fine arts or Montessori at the elementary and middle school level. In high school, students can choose from the prestigious International Baccalaureate program, Project Lead the Way or New Tech Academy as well as other rigorous academic and specialty training programs.
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