Operations Committee asks for multi-year data before pursuing facilities referendum

The Operations Committee reviewed the district’s long-range facilities plan and asked administration to compile multi-year enrollment data and program participation trends before advancing any referendum proposal.

Members asked for unduplicated student participation numbers in Career and Technical Education (CTE) areas including Agriculture, Technology Education, Business and Media; participation percentages by program; and historical growth trends rather than a single year of data. The committee emphasized that measurable results are needed to explain and defend proposed additions such as expanded CTE spaces and specialized facilities.

Committee members expressed concern about the current master plan’s estimated $40 million price tag, noting that while infrastructure needs (HVAC, boilers, security, building systems) are broadly accepted, additions such as expanded CTE and athletic facilities require additional justification. Several members suggested that a smaller referendum—focused primarily on maintenance and limited expansion and estimated around $8–10 million—might be more realistic for the district.

Administration acknowledged the requests and agreed to compile the requested multi-year enrollment and participation data, student counts and percentages, and additional supporting information, while noting that accurate historical data collection will require additional time.

Next steps: administration will provide the data and supporting analysis to the committee to help prioritize the master plan and prepare an evidence-based narrative if a referendum is pursued.