Ferguson-Florissant District To Seek $31 Million Bond Issue on Apr. 7th Ballot

Approval Would Fund Infrastructure Upgrades

The Ferguson-Florissant School District has announced it will seek a no tax increase $31 million bond issue, Proposition I,  in the upcoming April 7 election.

If approved, Proposition I would fund upgrades to the district’s infrastructure including security improvements, building repairs and renovations. A district spokesperson said the bond issue would also upgrade classroom technology to help the district deliver innovative instruction and learning opportunities that prepare students for 21st century careers. This would include conversion of a district school into a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) Learning Center.

The bond issue will allow the district’s tax rate to remain unchanged and will provide the funding needed for capital improvements over the next four years.

“At no additional cost to taxpayers, Proposition I will continue the stabilization and improvement of the school district,” said Rob Chabot, president of the Ferguson-Florissant Board of Education. “It will allow the district to maintain our current balanced budget and maintain the operating budget for classroom instruction while funding much-needed improvements to our infrastructure and technology.”

“If Proposition I fails, Ferguson-Florissant’s facilities and technology will not have the support they deserve to prepare our students for college and careers,” continued Chabot. “Furthermore, the district’s operating budget – the portion that pays for classroom instruction and supplies – would need to be used to pay for critical maintenance and repair needs, diverting funds for programs and services for our students.”

The FFSD’s last bond issue was approved in 2010. Projects funded by that measure will be completed in the summer of 2015. A four-sevenths majority (57.14%) is necessary for passage of Proposition I in the April 7 election. Last August, district residents approved a 50-cent tax levy that is being used to maintain programs, services and staffin

 

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