As a result of the 2015-2016 strategic planning process, the WGSD announced in August 2017 the place and time for several listening sessions related to options for the Fox River Middle School. Ultimately the community indicated that a major renovation was preferred to the construction of a brand new middle school.
After over a year of community discussion and planning, the Waterford Graded School District is bringing a referendum question to the ballot on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. This question is requesting permission to borrow $24.9 million to provide the following upgrades to Fox River Middle School and security improvements to all other buildings within the district.
There are three opportunities to attend a public meeting at Fox River Middle School
1) Wednesday, September 26 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM
2) Wednesday, October 3 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM
3) Wednesday, October 24 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM
The WGSD has communicated the need for the referendum as follows:
Fox River Middle School was built in 1964 and remodeled in 2000. Many classrooms are less than 800 sq. ft. and lack flexible space needed for small group instruction and project-based learning. The school also lacks adequate space for science, music and the culinary arts. Today’s modern classroom averages 1,000 sq.ft. and provides space for student collaboration.
By moving 6th grade to Fox River Middle School, these students would have access to more electives and higher level course offerings in areas such as Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), World Languages and Family/Consumer Science as well as clubs and sports.
The cafeteria is too small to meet the needs of the current student population, resulting in limited time for eating and recess. The gym is also too small to meet the needs of the physical education program.
Although Fox River Middle School has been well maintained, some building systems, including heating, cooling and plumbing, are more than 50 years old and at the end of their life cycle. These older systems are less efficient and require ongoing repairs.
The safety of our students and staff is a top priority. Secured entrances need to be improved at all buildings within the district as well as reconfiguration of the parking lot and traffic flow.
Given the recent Foxconn developments, the District would like to have the flexibility to address future growth. The renovated building will increase the capacity to 600 students while the current capacity is 450-500.
Posted by Matt Kranich on 9/20/2018
WGSD Parent and School Board Member
References:
WGSD Referendum page