Referendum/Facilities Review
April 18, 2007
Dear Winnetka Residents:
On behalf of the Winnetka Public Schools children and staff, we thank you for demonstrating your tremendous support with 61% approval of the $47.3 million bond referendum for expansions and improvements of our schools. Once again, the voters of Winnetka have come forward to invest in one of the community’s enduring values-- education of this and future generations. With this vote, Winnetka affirms its belief about the importance of safe schools allowing learning to flourish for every child across many curricular areas.
We sincerely appreciate the care and thought that went into every vote as well as the many questions this referendum raised across town. Through this website, mailings, and in person, we School Board members attempted to provide as much information as possible so the community could understand and evaluate this important decision. We thank and acknowledge the hundreds of volunteers who worked diligently to create opportunities where neighbors could talk to each other about the state of the buildings, education in Winnetka and financial concerns. It was truly democracy in action.
In closing, we understand the deep trust you place in us and pledge to do our very best to bring these educational plans to fruition, in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Thank you again for your commitment to the Winnetka Public Schools.
Sincerely,
Anne Kelly • Penny Lanphier • Pete Cruikshank • Susan Harris
Jeff Hoch • Becky Hurley • Bob Linn
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February 7, 2007
Dear Parents, Neighbors and Staff,
We want to update you of our facilities review work over the past couple of years and plan to go to referendum in April. Our goals have been to provide safe school buildings that continue the high quality educational program long associated with the Winnetka Public Schools in the face of sustained high enrollment (see Enrollment Summary) and changing educational practices. Since preparing a state mandated Life Safety report in Fall, 2004, the Board was aware that our buildings aged 37 to nearly 100 years old required additional investment beyond the budgeted $600,000 of annual maintenance. This initial report confirmed that our old school buildings are in need of substantial investment. In Fall, 2005,we launched an extensive investigation into the condition of our five neighborhood schools (Crow Island, Greeley, Hubbard Woods, Skokie and Washburne), engaging the District’s Superintendent, Business Manager, Principals, architectural firm Green Associates, staff, and community members. We created this website last May to apprise the public of our information gathering, needs analysis, and decision-making and refer you to the Process section for a chronological summary.
Investigation (Safety, Quality, Curriculum Delivery, Technology):
With the top priority of keeping our buildings safe, we first examined the maintenance needs (see Building Facts and Figures) across all five schools. This assessment revealed that approximately $14MM of projects need to be undertaken to update all buildings to current ventilation, plumbing, electrical, and other standards. We then turned our attention to delivery of curriculum and instruction. In reviewing both space at Greeley and Washburne and technology needs at all five schools, the Board created sub-committees comprised of administrators, teachers, and community members to delve into current educational needs.
Community Voices Heard:
In Fall, 2006 we held neighborhood meetings (see Documents for presentation information) at each of the five schools as well as addressed community groups such as the Winnetka Alliance for Early Childhood and individual preschools. We shared what we knew about the state of the buildings and current educational needs as well as asked for input on emerging space plans. At all of these meetings, the Board recorded the questions, concerns and ideas from the approximately 150 members of the public in attendance. In addition, the 2006 Winnetka Caucus Survey showed that among 1,028 respondents, 59% favored some sort of expansion at Greeley and Wasburne. All of this information was was taken into consideration as the Board made its final decision and ultimate plans.
Decision-making:
After much investigation into enrollments, educational needs and space issues specific to each building, in October, 2006, the Board approved a four classroom addition for Greeley School and a 34% increase in space for Washburne to meet the needs of currently enrolled students. The costs for these additions are now estimated at $9MM and nearly $23MM respectively and the Documents section also includes both site plans. The Board has also approved $2MM in technology infrastructure such as upgrades to hardware, wiring, storage, and cooling as well additional mobile labs to improve the District’s ability to imbed technology into quality instruction.
Upcoming April Referendum:
At its January meeting, the Board finalized a $47.3MM dollar amount for a facilities referendum which will appear on the April 17, 2007 ballot for voter approval. The proposed 20 year bond will fund all the required maintenance, technology, and expansion projects mentioned above. Property tax bills would first reflect bond repayments in Fall, 2008: increasing an estimated $246 per $10,000 of taxes paid. We understand this request is a significant, long-term and necessary investment in the education of Winnetka’s current and future students. We urge you to read the information presented on this website to become better informed about the current educational needs and process underlying this request.
Sincerely,
The District 36 School Board
Contact Us: facilities@winnetka36.org