A reminder to vote on the Abby 4K-12 referendum
BE OUR G
UEST
On April 5th, the School District of Abbotsford taxpayers will be asked to decide whether or not to approve a $1,500,000 referendum for the purpose of helping to fund the 2022-2023 FEMA building addition.
The building is scheduled to begin construction in August 2022 and be completed in June 2023. The project provides a FEMA safe room for the community and district for use during and after any natural emergency.
The building can withstand an F5 tornado.
The building also solves critical overcrowding and space challenges in the elementary school with the continued growing student population. The building provides a multi-purpose gym space that can be utilized by the district for before and after school events and community functions. Three additional classrooms will be utilized by the district for four year old kindergarten.
A new community room will free up needed space in the high school. Finally, the elementary school cafeteria will be expanded to provide adequate space for breakfast and lunch.
What will happen if the referendum is approved? The district will be able to maintain reserves for unexpected emergencies, scheduled maintenance, and future capital needs.
An approved referendum is projected to not have a negative impact on the mill rate. The mill rate is actually projected to decrease. What will happen if the referendum is not approved?
All available resources will be depleted to fund the project. This may mean deferring maintenance projects. We have been a financially responsible district and will continue to be.
While many districts around us struggle to cut programs due to declining enrollment, we are in the opposite position.
We continue to expand programs as our enrollment grows. Abbotsford is a destination district.
We will continue to provide great programming for all students. We are fortunate to have a community supportive of education. As always, if there are questions, please do not hesitate to call me. Please get out and vote April 5!
B ARGENDER SUPERINTENDENT
ABBOTSFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT
