School Officials Bring Bond Information to Farmington City Council

Farmington Public Schools staff and officials brought information about a two-part November bond proposal to Farmington city council members Monday, but one official remains opposed to it. 

Voters are being asked to approve two proposals: Proposal 1, $154.6 million to fund safety features, infrastructure repairs and improvements and increased technology; and Proposal 2, $31.6 million for improvements to high school auditoriums and athletic fields and technology replacement.

Proposal 1 must pass in order for Proposal 2 to be implemented.

Superintendent Susan Zurvalec kicked off the presentation, saying that quality schools and updated facilities are an "economic development tool" that can attract residents and businesses to the community. 

Jon Manier, district executive director of instructional services, explained that the district has budgeted about $2 million a year for repairs and maintenance, but "we have intentionally put off some of these needs to maintain our classroom programming." The buildings all get heavy use, he said, and are showing wear. 

In response to a question about funds allocated to individual buildings, Manier said detailed analyses with cost estimates that consultants developed based on "industry standards" are available on the district's website. 

Cowley: District needs 'Plan C'

Council member Greg Cowley, who opposes the current proposal, asked about declining enrollments. Manier said the district has not included in the bond plan buildings that house preschool and alternative high school programs, which may be moved to other buildings as enrollments drop. 

Council member Steve Schneeman asked whether failure of the bond would result in Farmington falling in competitiveness with other districts. 

"My hope is no, but we would have to divert general funds to these urgent needs. Something would have to change," Manier said, adding, "Our job ... is to make sure that ranking and that competitiveness does not change." 

Manier added that feedback from a failed Aug. 6 bond election gave the district a better idea of what the community values. 

Cowley reiterated his belief that the millage would put Farmington close to the 50-mill mark for overall taxation, which he said will drive away developers and future homeowners. He asked whether officials have an alternate plan if the bond fails; Manier said they do not.

"My issue with the bond is that we're pricing ourselves out of the market," he said. "This is my problem with raising taxes, period ... I'm shocked you don't have a 'Plan C'. I think you need to find one."

"We believe evidence shows that the quality of schools ... has a direct correlation to things like housing values," Manier said, noting he chose to buy a home in Farmington because of the schools. He said he believes houses built in Farmington would be filled faster if the proposed bond work is done. 

Council member JoAnne McShane said the city has some "nice-sized houses" that are affordable. "We do have young families moving in," she said. "I know they're choosing Farmington because of the schools."