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Transformation of FHS
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about the Transformation of FHS (for the Millage Election)
Voting Information
When is the voter registration deadline?
The Need
Why did the Board decide to transform the high school?
How did the Board determine the solution?
Millage
How much money would this millage increase generate?
Why did the Fayetteville School Board authorize an election now?
Why is the district requesting a 2.75 mil increase?
How much money would the district and the taxpayers save by utilizing zero-interest bonds?
Will zero-interest bonds be available next year, or the year after that?
If the millage is defeated, will the proposed 2.75 mill increase be assessed?
Has the District received state funding for previous projects?
What has changed since the last millage vote?
What features will Phase 2 provide to FHS?
Economy
Why did the Board decide on a millage increase now?
What will the millage cost me?
Construction
What happens to materials from the existing materials after demolition?
Will any trees be removed during demolition and construction?
Voting Information
When is the millage election?
September 21, 2010
Polls Open 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
When is the voter registration deadline?
August 23, 2010
You may apply in person to register at the offices of the County Clerk, State Revenue Office, Motor Vehicle Office, Public Libraries, or Public Assistance Agencies. Also, voter registration applications will be available in school offices. For more information, call the Washington County Clerk’s Office at 479-444-1711 or visit their website at http://www.co.washington.ar.us/.
Can I vote early?
Early voting begins September 14, 2010 at the Washington County Clerks Office, located on the 3rd floor of the Washington County Courthouse, 280 North College Avenue, Fayetteville, AR 72701 (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday)
Can I vote absentee?
Absentee ballots are available at County Clerk’s Office, but one must be disabled or out of town for one week prior to the election in order to vote absentee.
Where can I vote?
If you do not know your polling location, call the Washington County Clerk’s Office at 479-444-1711 or check the Washington County website at http://www.co.washington.ar.us/.
The Need
Why did the Board decide to transform the high school?
Fayetteville has outgrown the existing high school facility, which was built in 1952. All of the common areas are small and most fall below state standards. Building safety is an issue with 56 entry doors to the buildings. Parking is inadequate, the band can’t all fit in the band room at the same time, and the 325-seat cafeteria seats less than one sixth of the student body at once. Academic spaces are outdated, and do not afford the flexibility for incorporating newer teaching and learning practices. Additionally, several of our elementary schools have more students than seats available, and our Pre-K program continues to grow. More space at the high school will allow a trickle-down realignment to take place throughout the district, which will ensure adequate building capacity district-wide for many years.
How did the Board determine the solution?
The plan was developed with input from several public patron group meetings held in the Fall of 2009. All decision points by the Board have been discussed in public view. Several key ideas from the public charette process held in February of 2009 are reflected in the plans, including:
Millage
How much money would this millage increase generate?
This 2.75 mill increase would generate $51 million to complete Phase 2 of the Fayetteville High School project.
Why did the Fayetteville School Board authorize an election now?
In June the district was awarded $31.4 million of 0% interest Qualified School Construction Bonds (QSCB) that can be used for completion of Phase 2 of the new high school, but only if Fayetteville voters pass a millage increase by December 2010. The QSCB program is a federal program that allows a school district to obtain no or low-interest financing. The Board decided to provide the taxpayers the option to take advantage of this unique opportunity that will not occur again in the foreseeable future.
Why is the district requesting a 2.75 mil increase?
To make the payments on the bonds, both zero-interest and traditional, for Phase 2 to complete the public's vision of the Fayetteville High School transformation.
How much money would the district and the taxpayers save by utilizing zero-interest bonds?
Over the 15 to 17 year life cycle of the zero-interest bonds, taxpayers have the opportunity to save $29 million in interest and incentives.
Will zero-interest bonds be available next year, or the year after that?
No. The zero-interest bonds are only available for Fayetteville in 2010. The district's one time opportunity to take advantage of these bonds is on September 21. If the millage fails, the bonds must be returned to the state to be redistributed to other school districts.
If the millage is defeated, will the proposed 2.75 mill increase be assessed?
No.
Yes. This is referred to as sunset. The millage will sunset when the bond package is paid off in approximately 25 years.
Has the District received state funding for previous projects?
Because of the state’s funding formula, Fayetteville receives no substantive state facility money to assist in the building or renovation of facilities. The Qualified School Construction Bond program is the first time in the history of the District that it can access substantial assistance for construction projects, resulting in significant interest savings for taxpayers.
What has changed since the last millage vote?
The School Board decided to phase construction of the high school. Phase 1, already in progress and fully funded without any additional millage required, is being financed by the sale of $45 million in Qualified School Construction Bonds (QSCB). The District cut 2.5 million from its budget to help pay for construction of Phase 1. Phase 1 will demolish Bates Annex and in its place, create new academic spaces, a performing arts center, athletic spaces, and a student commons area for a total of 234,360 square feet.
What features will Phase 2 provide to FHS?
Phase 2, which will complete the transformation of the existing high school, is the subject of the Sept. 21 millage vote. Not only will Phase 2 update the current facility to meet state standards, it will modernize the layout to give teachers and students a 21st century learning environment. Phase 2 covers 299,340 square feet, the majority of which is classroom space. Completing Phase 2 also will provide the following:
Economy
Why did the Board decide on a millage increase now?
The school board chose to put this vote on the ballot for three main reasons:
What will the millage cost me?
The monthly impact on a $100,000 home would be $4.58.
Construction
What happens to materials from the existing materials after demolition?
Approximately 50% of demolished building materials will be recycled.
Will any trees be removed during demolition and construction?
Construction on the site requires the removal of 65 trees, however 224 new trees will be planted.