The Washington School District has a link on its website where patrons can find out “everything they need to know” about Proposition R: Right Now for Children, according to Superintendent Dr. Lori VanLeer.
Prop R is a proposal to expand and improve facilities in the district.
Voters will be asked April 2 to decide on two questions that have the potential to shape the district’s future, VanLeer said.
The first question seeks approval of a $9 million bond issue with a no-tax rate increase for wireless infrastructure for classrooms districtwide, construction of an early childhood center, classroom additions at Marthasville Elementary and HVAC improvements at Augusta Elementary.
The second question seeks approval of a $40 million bond issue with a 25-cent tax rate increase to construct and equip a new 6-8 middle school on the now vacant property the district owns on east Highway 100, and renovate the current middle school into a K-5 elementary school.
VanLeer said a new middle school will create much-needed classroom space at all eight elementary schools, while renovations at the current middle school into a large elementary school will allow the district to retire two aging facilities — South Point and Fifth Street schools.
Testimonial Videos
To help inform voters of both the plan and the need, the district is featuring a testimonial of the week video on its website — www.washington.k12.mo.us — regarding the projects associated with Prop R.
The videos, which feature community members, business leaders, parents, students and staff, can be viewed by clicking on the Prop R link. Each week a new video is added.
In last week’s video, Dr. Bret Riegel from Mercy Hospital Washington described the need for adequate space in order to provide quality patient care, as well as an excellent education.
Past videos have featured Mike Wissbaum and Erika Kribben, parents; Cassandra Suggs, a staff member; Tim Williams and Taylor Straatmann, students; Detective Sgt. Jason Grellner, Franklin County Narcotics Enforcement Unit; Darren Lamb, city of Washington community economic development director; and Dr. Jon Bauer, East Central College president.
Question of the Week
A question of the week segment, featuring the superintendent answering a question related to Prop R, also can be found under the same link.
In last weeks video, VanLeer describes the benefits of the new 6-8 grade middle school proposed in Question Two.
Anyone with a question is asked to email it to lori.vanleer@washington.k12.mo.us. and it may be featured in one of the upcoming segments.
Videos made by several of the schools in the district also can be viewed on the site. Currently there are videos posted from Washington High School, Washington Middle School and Campbellton Elementary.
