When the Capital Projects Levy passed last spring, we made a promise. We said we would keep our staff and community informed on the status of our levy projects, and we’re excited to get started!

Although the levy was approved by voters back in February 2011, we will not receive any funds until this year. In fact, the first collection is scheduled for April 2012. In the meantime, planning is already underway for the new Jackson Park Elementary School, the first major project on our list.

Did you know that there is a new Capital Projects Levy oversight group? Our capital projects spending progress will be monitored by a volunteer group of local citizens. These volunteers are uniquely qualified. This group will provide reports throughout the term of the current levy (2012-2016). These detailed reports will be shared quarterly.

Safe, healthy, efficient and well-maintained facilities provide a positive learning environment for our students, staff and community. We are proud that our long-range facilities plan addresses our backlog of critical repairs and safety upgrades while minimizing the cost to local taxpayers. This plan covers our capital project needs for the next 30 years and is a major component of our long range strategy.

In addition, the long-standing Facilities Infrastructure Review Committee (FIRC), consisting of staff and community members, continues to provide planning and direction for our current and future Capital Project needs.

We continue to involve community and staff in our capital improvement plans, and I am thankful for the expertise and time provided by our committee participants.  I am also grateful for these individuals, and their willingness to work with us as we implement our Capital Projects plan.  Conserving and spending local taxpayer dollars in a well-planned, and responsible manner remains a top priority!