Building Our Future.
GFW Public Schools will hold a two-question building bond referendum on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 to address building challenges with proposals to build a new school building in one of two possible configurations. In addition, if plans for a single-site PreK-12 option moves forward, the district will allow voters to revoke and replace the current operating levy at a reduced rate due to the savings of operating a single facility via an upcoming election in November.
Question 1: Construct a centrally located 7-12 facility
Question 1 will have voters consider the option to construct a centrally located 7-12 facility ($55 million) as a first step towards an eventual transition to a centrally located PreK-12 facility.
Funding would be repaid over 25 years
The district would need to use existing LTFM and other methods to repair the elementary school.
This option would not include the option to reduce the operating levy due to the additional costs of operating multiple buildings
The new facility would include
Middle School and High School Wings
Career Academy Center (AEM, BACE, HSHS Academies)
Music Suite for Band and Choir
Special Education Services
Media Center
One Competition Gym with three gym spaces, Fitness Center, and locker rooms
An Estimated 400 Seat Performance Center
Cafeteria/Commons and Dining space
Kitchen and Food Services
Administrative Offices
District Office
Staff Workspace
Building Receiving/Storage/Mechanical Spaces
Outdoor Practice Athletic Fields (there will be an option for the public to decide whether to continue to utilize current stadium facilities in Winthrop and Fairfax or build new stadiums)
Question 2: Construct a centrally located PreK-12 facility
Question 2 will allow voters to consider the option to approve an additional $14.9 Million over the cost to build a 7-12 facility for a centralized PreK-12 single site.
In addition to the building bond questions, the district is proposing to revoke the current operating levy of $1,406.30 per pupil and replace it with a new levy of $996.30 or $410 less per pupil due to the cost savings of a single site via an election to be held in November 2023. The district is confident that current programming will be maintained with a single site and a reduced operating levy.
The new facility would include
Early Childhood Spaces
T-Bird Club Space for ages 33 months and above
Kindergarten Classrooms
Elementary Wing
Middle School and High School Wings
Career Academy Center (AEM, BACE, HSHS Academies)
Music Suite for Band and Choir
Special Education Services
Media Center
One Competition Gym with three gym spaces, Fitness Center, and locker rooms
An Estimated 400 Seat Performance Center
Cafeteria/Commons and Dining space
Kitchen and Food Services
Administrative Offices
District Office
Staff Workspace
Building Receiving/Storage/Mechanical Spaces
Outdoor Practice Athletic Fields (there will be an option for the public to decide whether to continue to utilize current stadium facilities in Winthrop and Fairfax or build new stadiums)
Featured Frequently Asked Question: Why are there no artist renderings of the proposed facility?
While GFW Public Schools has been looking into addressing facility issues for several years, without community support for funding a facility, it is simply too soon to start the architecture and design process. Construction consultant Kraus Anderson has developed plans for facilities that would meet the district’s needs in programming and projected enrollment that keeps costs low. If the proposals are approved by voters, the district will move forward with hiring an architect. School facilities have changed a lot since our buildings were built, so we are also seeking feedback from the community on what priorities for a new facility are.