H O WA R D S G R O V E S C H O O L D I S T R I C T
AUDITORIUM AND CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENTS REFERENDUM
W HAT T Y PE OF R E F E R E N DUM I S
BEI NG PROP O SE D ?
Residents will vote on a $4.7 million referendum
specifically for the construction of an auditorium
with remaining funds going to address other capital improvement projects within our existing facilities and to upgrade and improve our technology
infrastructure.
W HAT I S I NC LU DED IN TEC H NOLO GY
U P G R ADES?
The technology upgrades include adding data
storage, improving the wireless access points,
updating the Network Core, and updating staff
computers.
W HAT I S I NC LU DED IN THE C APITA L
MA I N T ENANC E PROJ EC T S?
The capital maintenance projects will include replacing the remaining original windows at the High
School, some asphalt repair at various buildings,
the re-roofing of the maintenance shed, repair/replacement of aging maintenance equipment (lawn
mowers, plow truck, auto scrubber), and other
misc. projects.
All of these projects will depend on remaining
funds following the completion of the
auditorium.
Potential layout of auditorium and surrounding area
Artist rendition of a potential auditorium
WHY DO WE NEED AN AUDITORIUM?
○ Allows HGSD to offer a wider variety of Fine Arts
opportunities
○ Allows HGSD to offer Technical Engineering and
Industrial Arts opportunities
○ Allows HGSD to offer real-life business and event
management opportunities to students
○ Allows the community access to quality performances, for all ages and interests, never before
hosted in Howards Grove
○ Generates revenue for the district through rentals
to outside groups
○ Attracts new families to the district through open
enrollment and retains current students
due to being able to offer what other schools all
around us have as standard programming
and facilities
○ Increases patronage to local businesses like gas
stations and restaurants due to performances being
held in Howards Grove
○ Allows the district more flexibility in scheduling
due to no longer having to rent out space at
Lakeland College or the Weill Center
○ Improves accessibility to events by students and
attendees by allowing us to hold events locally in
Howards Grove
○ Allows the district to provide a balance to a
currently sports-centric district
○ Allows the district to host a variety of events that
would appeal to many different generations of community members
WHY NOW?
The Howards Grove School District has an opportunity
to add this referendum debt with minimal tax implications. The District has consistently seen a decrease in
the mill rate over the past three years. Should this referendum pass, it is possible to see a minimal increase
or even a flat tax rate in the levy. Regardless, the mill
rate will stay well below the $10.00 mark.
Additionally, the district has a robust financial position, which is a strength when compared with school
districts nationwide. Our Moody rating is Aa3, which
means we are rated as high quality and very low credit
risk. Having a strong credit position will help us secure
lower interest rates on any borrowing. The rating also
reflects a strong socioeconomic profile with a limited
tax base.
Potential views of the inside of an auditorium
including a possible art gallery space
COST FOR TAXPAYERS
Property Value
Annual Expense
Monthly Expense
$75,000
$125,000
$175,000
$225,000
$275,000
$325,000
$375,000
$30
$50
$70
$90
$110
$130
$150
$2.50
$4.17
$5.83
$7.50
$9.16
$10.83
$12.50
VOTE
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2016
Polls open from 7am-8pm
WANT MORE INFORMATION?
Informational Meetings: High School Library
October 12, 2016 - 7pm
October 19, 2016 - 7pm
Phone: (920) 565-4454
Email: [email protected]
Like us on Facebook: HG Auditorium Referendum
Citizens’ Advisory Committee
AUDITORIUM COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Vicki Wagner•Zach Holzer•Angie Houston•Tim Bartz
Dave Schmid•Mark Weber•Lynn Berg•Wendy Varish
Aaron & Jennifer Sloma•Janina Siemers•Kari Bramstedt
Lael Bagnall•Dannielle Arneson•Lonna Near
Steve Gerber•Marlo Hoewisch•Chris Thieleke
HOW WOULD CONCERTS BE STRUCTURED
KNOWING THAT 400-450 SEATS WILL NOT
ACCOMMODATE SOME EVENTS?
When we have events that require more seating than
can be accommodated for, we would have multiple
performances.
The size of the auditorium fits the needs of our three
buildings. Holding multiple performances would allow
our performances to “play to a full house”. Additionally,
the size helps us with lower royalty fees and performance costs.
Graduation would continue to be held in the gym, as
it is for other surrounding districts, to avoid limiting
attendance at this important event.
HOW WOULD AN AUDITORIUM
BENEFIT ALL STUDENTS?
An auditorium would provide opportunities for many
departments in our district with authentic experiences.
For example: Set construction, sound and lighting,
business marketing/management, graphic design
(posters/advertising), and public speaking.
WHEN WOULD THESE
PROJECTS BE COMPLETED?
The projects would be completed over a three-year
period (2017-2019) with construction of an auditorium
beginning as soon as March 2017 with completion 8-9
months after that date.