July 13, 2011
Vol 13 No 28
May 13, 2015
Elections to result in much-needed expansions Recipe
Grilling with grains
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School
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Grant awarded
Students at Discovery Ridge Elementary School work on the floor with computers that travel from classroom to classroom on a cart.
Photo courtesy Wentzville School District
Passage of various propositions around the county means new construction projects By Brett Auten The theme of April’s elections is one that has held true for years in St Charles County. Expansion. Like a pair of shorts after a lazy winter, the Wentzville school district was pushing to maximum overload; with makeshift classrooms here, there and everywhere and school supplies spilling out into the classrooms. With the passing of Proposition E by 1,003 votes, $50 million will be generated to construct a new elementary school, complete phase two of Liberty High School, construct additional classrooms at Discovery Ridge, Duello and Lakeview elementary schools, construct additional classrooms at Holt High School and provide the funds necessary to purchase land for future school sites. Proceeds from Proposition E will also be used to purchase equipment and furnishings for the new classrooms, upgrade security throughout the district, and upgrade science and FACS classrooms at Wentzville Middle School. “I am very pleased with these results,” Dr. Curtis Cain, Wentzville superintendent said. “As the fastest growing school district in the state, we are now well positioned to provide the necessary classroom space for all of our current and future students. This continues the great forward momentum of our district, and will help to ensure that our students continue to achieve at the highest level. The passage of Proposition E would not have been possible without the time, talent and tenacity of the Wentzville School District staff, parents, and community and it is my pleasure and privilege to lead this district moving forward.” The Wentzville School District has been the fastest growing school district in Missouri. Enrollment has increased by more than 8,000 students since 2001, averaging well over 600 new students every year
The Fort Zumwalt School District approved one ballot item that is to help the district maintain its current facilities. Winning significantly was Proposition A, the bond issue will help the district make major roof repairs, parking lot repairs and overlays. It also will help to provide technology upgrades, painting, new floors and ceilings in several buildings, HVAC repairs and replacements as well as lighting upgrades and replacements. The second item, Proposition B, did not pass. It was a 48-cent tax levy increase that would have generated about $9 million for the school district. It has been reported that the district is currently projecting a $2.9 million operating deficit for its 2014-15 budget. Voters passed Central County Fire and Rescue’s Proposition S by a resounding margin, 5,072-2,362. Proposition S asked to borrow $16 million to replace fire trucks and equipment and to build a new firehouse to replace the existing station 5 on Ehlmann Road. According to Central Country Assistant Fire Chief Steve Brown, the department expects to start seeing the updated equipment in nine-10 months. “We’re extremely happy,” Brown said. “Especially because (Prop S) won by such an overwhelming margin.” Along with up-to-dating firefighting and emergency vehicles and auxiliary equipment, improvements will be made to out-dated fire stations and training facilities. O’Fallon Proposition 1 also had plenty of support, passing 5,508-3.663. O’Fallon asked to borrow $28.68 million to build a new police station and municipal courts building on Bryan Road south of Veterans Memorial Parkway. The bond issue would trigger a property tax hike of 4.58 cents per $100 assessed valuation (ie tax on a $200,000 home would increase by $17.40 a year). For complete election results go to www.sccmo.org
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