With funding secured, Jordan Public Schools will turn its eye toward renovations on the elementary and high schools.
The $34.99 million bond referendum passed April 11 with 57% of voters voting yes to the question.
Since February, voters have been able to vote on a single question about $34.99 million in capital improvements; the preliminary count had 876 yes votes to 660 no votes for a total of 1,536 votes cast. Now that it’s passed, the district will be able to start a variety of projects — mainly at the elementary school — as well as new secure entrances at both the elementary school and high school.
Superintendent Ranae Case Evenson thanked the community for their support as the district continues to grow and evolve.
“We are incredibly grateful to have so much community support for our students and their future,” said Case Evenson in a press release. “As we look to the future, we’re excited to be able to meet the needs of our growing community to ignite learning, innovation, and success for all.”
Most of the approved bonding will go to renovating the 1970s portions of the elementary school and an addition of a new cafeteria, full gymnasium and more classrooms, in addition to needed HVAC and restroom updates.
The district has hired the architectural and design firm ISG for the elementary school renovations and addition. With the positive outcome, ISG will work with the district to create plans to meet current and future needs of the district. After design is complete, a public bidding process will occur with construction hopefully being able to start in spring 2024.
The $34.99 million will cost $325 per residence, per year in the 2024 property taxes, based on the school district’s tax calculator and Scott County Assessor’s office.
In November 2019, a similar bond referendum was held and failed. In that election, voters were asked about an increase to the per-student operational levy and two capital improvement bond referendums for various renovations across the district including the elementary school. Coming off of that failed vote and the pandemic that started a few months later, the district decided to pause.
It wasn’t until March 2022 that the district started the bonding process over again and decided to focus its energy on elementary school improvements after community feedback. Space and secure entrances were a top priority. The bonding will now allow for the creation of both.
“With a pass referendum, we will be able to remodel the space and expand,” Case Evenson said in a March 6 interview with the Jordan Independent. “It’s a really important commitment just to make sure we have enough [space] and that they are in good condition.”
