Saint Francis Area Schools board moves to fund $36.85M indoor air quality project; schedules hearing on parking-lot tax abatement

The St. Francis Area Schools Board of Education on July 28 approved an official intent and reimbursement resolution that authorizes the district to issue general obligation facilities maintenance bonds in a maximum aggregate principal amount of $36,850,000 to fund an indoor air quality (IAQ) and related facilities maintenance program.

The vote to adopt the bond-resolution framework passed on a roll-call vote with one recorded no vote. The board also approved a resolution to hold a public hearing on a proposed property-tax abatement of up to $1,375,000 over five years to finance parking-lot improvements, adopted the district's LTFM (Long-Term Facilities Maintenance) plan for submission to the state, and approved several routine administrative resolutions including calling a special election to fill a board vacancy.

Board and staff members said the financing package responds to a districtwide assessment that found aging air-handling equipment, some dating to the 1960s and 1970s, and multiple units that do not meet current code or efficiency standards. Chris Lindquist summarized the facilities committee recommendation and the administration's request to proceed with replacement and upgrades districtwide. Lindquist said the facilities assessment and committee review recommended completing the scope broadly rather than piecemeal to avoid repeatedly…