Committee Recommends $222 Million Bond on Farmington Schools August Ballot

Farmington Public Schools voters can learn more about a proposed $222 million bond referendum during a 7 p.m. community meeting held April 18 at the North Farmington High School cafeteria.

If school board members approve recommendations made Tuesday by the district's Capital Finance Planning Task Team, voters would go to the polls on August 6, 2013.

The team was charged with developing a plan to fund the Facilites Forward Steering Committee visioning plan, which would cost more than $300 million to fully implement. 

"I believe that to keep the tradition of excellence provided by Farmington Public Schools for generations, to maintain a premier school district, and to give our children the advantages and opportunities they deserve, we have to equip our schools with a 21st century learning environment," said parent Trisha Balazovic, who served with both the visioning and finance groups.

The finance group's proposal addresses only recommended improvements to existing K-12 buildings. The visioning plan also includes recommendations for centralizing early childhood programs, relocating Farmington Central High School students, reconfiguring the administrative center, Ten Mile Building and transportation area, creating a community center that would include space for performing arts and/or athletics, and disposing of vacant properties.

Among the funded recommendations:

• technology and security improvements to every K-12 building
• reconfiguring and furnishing classrooms to create "Learning Studios" that encourage collaboration and project-based learning
• creating easy-to-find front entrances for each building and improving parking and traffic flow
• improving infrastructure, HVAC, electrical and data systems

If approved by voters, the bonds would be be sold in three series, with a payback of 25 years. School officials are expected to vote April 30 on the bond issue recommendation. 

The report given to the Board with all of the background information is attached to this post; additional information is online at www.farmington.k12.mi.us.

Tax Impact of Proposed FPS $220 Million Bond

Avg. Wk.

Figures taken from the Capital Finance Planning Task Team report.