The Citizens for Great Schools Committee is working hard to promote the Washington School District’s Prop I — Invest in Kids, Build Their Future ballot initiative.
The 30-member committee met again last Thursday, according to John Freitag, who is co-chairing the committee with Brad Mitchell.
“The committee continues to work hard at outreach to the community,” Freitag told The Missourian.
“Foremost is education on the issues and voter registration,” he said.
The committee plans to schedule two public forums in March, Freitag said, for citizens to get additional information and ask questions.
Also, the committee is stressing the importance of voter registration, he said. The voter registration deadline is March 7.
“We are excited about the recent endorsement from the Washington Area Chamber of Commerce,” Freitag said. “We have a number of dates scheduled to speak with groups/organizations over the next month and hope to receive additional positive feedback.”
The $65 million bond issue with a 46-cent property tax increase will be decided by voters in the April 3, 2012, election.
If approved, the district will build new facilities, make renovations and improve technology districtwide.
The co-chairs said the passing of Prop I will not only be an investment in the Washington School District, but it is an investment in the community.
If approved, the district will build a new middle school, serving sixth, seventh and eighth grades, and a new elementary school, for kindergarten through fifth grade, on property it owns off Highway 100, near St. John’s Road.
The district also plans to construct a new early childhood center which would house Parents as Teachers, all in-town preschools and early childhood special education on the Washington West Elementary campus. Improvement to the Washington West parking lot also is part of the plan.
Additionally, the district will renovate its existing Technology and Learning Center off Highway 47 for an alternative education center.
Other improvements are planned districtwide, including upgrading technology and adding computer labs.
The district plans to phase-in the 46-cent property tax increase over three years — 2013, 2014 and 2015, so patrons will not feel the full impact immediately.
A comprehensive website on the ballot initiative can be accessed at citizensforgreatschools.org.
Campaign officials said everything you need to know about the bond issue that will be on the April ballot can be found at the site.
Information also is featured on the school district’s newly redesigned website.
