As the results of the election are beginning to settle in, an array of emotions are coming from the student body and teachers alike. Whether you are a Trump supporter or not, one positive thing did come out of the election for the Washington Township community and that was getting the referenda passed.
Even though the referenda was passed, it is going to take an immense amount of planning on the part of the school board and superintendent. Planning for the renovations the township schools will take about six months, but renovation of the school will be taken care of over a span of five to seven years.
“Now that the community has given approval, there is a great deal of detailed planning that must begin,” Woodson said, “Our goal is to be good fiscal stewards of the funds the community has entrusted the school district to use to improve our schools. This takes a great deal of planning and strategic planning for both the operating and construction referenda funds. The plans will shape the future of the school district.”
Getting the referenda to pass was not an easy task for school board, as it will raise the taxes of the people living within the Washington Township borders by 28 cents per 100 tax dollars for the Construction referendum and 0.11 dollars per 100 tax dollars for the Operating referendum. One very crucial part in getting the community to get out and vote was the PAC which was lead by several parents in the community. They made sure that community was aware of the importance for the referenda to get passed.
“The PAC was the sole driving force in getting the community educated on the needs of our school facilities and staffing this past fall prior to the vote on November eighth,” Nikki Woodson said, “They were led by Emily Kaiser, Taryn Greaser & Stacy Lozer along with a large group of community volunteers supporting the campaign.”
During the election season there was a lot of hesitation if the referenda would get passed, especially since there are families who live within the Washington Township district lines that do not attend the schools. In the end the Washington Township community was able to come together and get both of the referendums passed.
“With nearly 7 out of every 10 people who voted giving favor to both referenda this says that the community agreed with the needs for our schools and the direction for Washington Township’s future,” Woodson said,”We are so appreciative of the community protecting the future of our schools and impacting the value of the Washington Township community at large.”
In the months and years following, the schools will see renovations to the learning center and the science labs, and many more renovations. In addition the referendum will maintain the current staff.
