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City voters on Tuesday supported a $19 million referendum that will
enable the district to complete its comprehensive Facilities
Improvement Project.
Voters approved the ballot measure by a tally of 3,500 in favor and
1,449 opposed, according to unofficial results.
Highlights of the Feb. 6 referendum
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Date: Feb. 6, 2007, noon to 9 p.m.
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Amount: $19 million (which will enable $32
million of work)
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Cost
to taxpayers:
No expected tax impact
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Schools
to be renovated:
Arbor Hill, Giffen and TOAST
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Renovations:
The work envisioned will render all three schools
safer, more comfortable and modern learning
environments. The work includes:
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Improved
climate control systems at all three
schools
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Electrical upgrades to accomodate modern
technology at all three schools
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Handicapped accessibility at all three
schools
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Replacement of exterior envelope (walls,
windows, doors and decks) wherever
necessary to eliminate water leakage at
Arbor Hill
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A new bus
loop and site improvements at Giffen
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The referendum is not expected to have any impact on local school
taxes because the $19 million will be reimbursed through two forms
of state building aid. It will be coupled with $13 million remaining
in the existing project to account for $32 million that will be
invested in Arbor Hill Elementary School, Giffen Memorial Elementary
School and Thomas O’Brien Academy of Science and Technology. The
planned projects will ensure that each building is a healthier,
safer and more modern learning environment.
“Our voters have once again come through for our students,”
Superintendent Eva Joseph said. “We were pleased to put this
referendum before residents at no property tax impact, and we are
even more pleased now that we will be able to complete our
facilities plan and fulfill the vision of schools that serve
students in the 21st Century.”
In the last two-and-a-half years, the district has opened nine
schools that were either newly constructed or significantly
renovated under the plan, and work for two more schools is underway.
When work at TOAST, Giffen and Arbor Hill is complete, 14 schools
will have been opened under the plan, accounting for a fully modern
PreK through 8th Grade program in the district.
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