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Survey shows split views after failed bond; board to focus on two-high-school "Plan B" options
Summary
A district post-election survey of 3,084 completed responses found concerns about taxes, trust and insufficient detail; administrators told the board they will begin capacity assessments of Lafayette and Central high schools as the first step in a proposed Plan B to right-size the district.
St. Joseph School District officials presented results of a post-election community survey and told the Board of Education they will begin a facilities review as part of the district's "Plan B" following the failed bond measure.
Communications staff reported 3,084 completed survey responses collected April 29–May 6. The top reasons cited by respondents who voted "no" were distrust in how funds would be managed (62.6%), a belief that a new high school was unnecessary (48.1%) and concern that taxes were too high (47.6%). Respondents ranked modern classrooms (69.8%) and safety and security improvements (61.9%) as the most important aspects of any new high school project.
Why it matters: The district said administrators will now examine options that do not depend on another public bond vote in the short term. That work will start with capacity and space assessments at Lafayette and Central high schools so the district can develop feeder patterns, staffing plans and options for right-sizing school facilities.
Administrators said the survey also exposed communication gaps: many respondents said plan details were too vague and requested information on the proposed high school location, feeder boundaries, transportation and impacts on elementary and middle schools. District communications staff said results and comment categories will be posted online.
District officials described the next administrative steps as beginning with a DLR architectural firm walk-through of Lafayette and Central to reassess capacities and building uses. Board members emphasized the need for building-level input and clear data so that any redistricting or right-sizing decisions are sustainable and avoid repeated boundary changes that would disrupt students.
Discussion, direction, decision: Board members debated whether Plan B should be developed entirely by administration or come back through committee review for additional staff and teacher input. Administrators said the first step must be a technical assessment of high school spaces and programming; board members said they want to see building-level details and emphasized urgency because staff shortages and open teaching positions are already affecting schools.
Ending: Administrators said they will proceed with the facility assessments and circulate findings to the board; no formal board vote was taken on a specific Plan B at the meeting.
