Citizens for Francis Howell
Citizens for Francis Howell is working to support the Francis Howell School District bond issue on the June 2, 2020 ballot. Proposition S is a no tax rate increase bond issue.Voter approval of Proposition S would allow the District to borrow money now and in the future to address pressing facility needs at all Francis Howell schools.
Prop S Turns into Teachable Moment About the Trades
With the 2020-21 school year well underway, the daily operations of the Francis Howell School District also continue on. This includes progress on districtwide improvements that are possible through the passage of Proposition S. Approved by voters in June 2020, Prop S provided $244 million of bond money to address pressing facilities needs at all Francis Howell schools. All Prop S projects are detailed in the Comprehensive Facilities Master Plan and will be completed over the course of the next six years.
Larger Prop S projects (like the new Francis Howell North High School and updates to security vestibules) have entered into planning phases, and a handful of smaller projects have already been completed (track resurfacing at Hollenbeck Middle and parking lot repairs at Warren Elementary). Some projects, like Fairmount Elementary’s new portable trailer, are currently taking place.
“Not only does Prop S allow for much needed updates to FHSD facilities, but it also provides unique opportunities to enhance learning opportunities for students,” said Director of Facilities and Operations John Klein. “COVID may have limited our abilities to do field trips for the moment, but it doesn’t mean that learning opportunities outside the classroom cannot still happen.”
Typically, a portable trailer would be delivered, installed, and ready to go before the beginning of the school year. Delivery and installation were pushed back due to delays outside of FHSD’s control. This bump in the schedule turned into a teaching moment about the trades for some elementary students.
“Seven of our junior Falcon engineers had the opportunity to observe and report on the new portable classroom being installed,” said Administrative Intern Eric Eubank. “Our junior engineers reported back to their classroom with the notes that they took.”
Outfitted in their very own Fairmount safety vests and hats, students were invited to watch as the construction crew lined up the first half of the trailer, operated heavy equipment, and slowly eased the piece into place over concrete blocks.
“It was one of the coolest things I have seen,” said David S.
Another student, D’Andre W., said, “It was very cool to watch them use the tools to work and move the portable trailers.”
Cruise W. thought that “it was so awesome to represent my class and go back and report.”
This experience also provided students with a close-up view of tradespeople in action.
“Students were exposed to examples of how math, science, English, and engineering all played into making this process work smoothly,” said Klein. “The Facilities and Operations Team looks forward to more opportunities as we progress through Prop S projects, to expose more of our students to the trades and experiential learning outside the classroom.”
As many trade workers reach retirement age, more opportunities have opened up for students seeking an alternative to college. Skilled trade work has become increasingly popular for graduating FHSD students. Opening students’ minds to the possibility of the trades early on ensures that all students can find a suitable career path after their time in the hallways of FHSD.
News
May 16, 2024 BOE contruction action
The Board approved three bond program recommendations at the May 16 meeting:
- FHHS Tennis Court Recommendation - An assessment of current conditions found deterioration of sub grade, large cracks in asphalt surface and ponding of water. The project will be awarded to PCC Sports and work will begin this summer. The total project cost is $1,220,931 - approximately $479,000 lower than the estimate shared at the March Board meeting.
- Elementary Playground Recommendation - Playgrounds across the District will receive upgrades or replacement equipment this summer in order to provide safe, accessible, inclusive playgrounds that meet Access Board guidelines, support active play based on site enrollment, and address playground amenity inequities among elementary schools. All Inclusive Rec will provide equipment and labor for the demolition and installation of playground equipment, and Landesign will provide materials and labor for surfacing, site work and drainage, for a total project cost of $5,846,315.46.
- Henderson Elementary Recommendation - Work will begin this summer on a multi-phase renovation and addition project at Henderson Elementary. The District received three bids, and the project will be awarded to the low-bidder, Lawlor Corporation, for a total construction hard cost of $16,892,728. The total project cost including soft costs is $17,884,72
Log on the FH Board Docs for additional information
June 2023 Construction update
Copy the link for an update on FHN construction and a drone overview of the site
https://go.boarddocs.com/mo/fhsdmo/Board.nsf/files/CSLJ2N4B16DE/$file/Prop%20S%20Presentation%202023-06-15.pdf
FH Hires new Facilities and Operations Director
The Francis Howell School District (FHSD) Board of Education has approved the appointment of a new director of facilities and operations.
Salum Stutzer will join FHSD as the new director of facilities and operations, effective July 1, 2023. The position is responsible for the 28 buildings that are part of the District’s 150 square mile-operation.
Stutzer brings more than 18 years of experience in facility maintenance and project management in both the public sector as well as private higher education.
Stutzer is a graduate of Central Methodist University and is currently employed with the Independence School District (ISD) as the director of facilities and purchasing.
His duties at ISD include managing all facility operations for the District’s 30 schools. He is responsible for overseeing the District’s detailed cost analysis programs of departmental contracts and continuing analysis of systems and procedures, a role he will also fill in Francis Howell.
Stutzer will also coordinate architectural and engineering services for capital construction and capital improvement projects, including Prop S.
“As we prepare to decide how to spend the remaining Prop S funds and open a new high school, we must ensure every dollar is spent wisely so we can maximize the funding that will drive dollars into our classrooms,” said Chief Financial Officer Dr. Kim Hawk. “I am thrilled that students and staff members will benefit from Mr. Stutzer’s skills and expertise through his important new role with the Francis Howell School District.”
Stutzer serves on the Board of Directors for the Missouri School Plant Managers Association and currently serves as the Assistant Director for the Kansas City Region. He says he is excited to bring his talents to St. Charles County.
“I can hardly wait! I’m excited and look forward to providing comprehensive strategic planning and leadership in the areas of Facilities and Operations to the Francis Howell Community.”FHN Construction update February 2023
Follow this link to FH Board update from Jeremy Boettler,Construction Manager
Prop_S_Update_-_2022-05-19.pdf
Drone view FH North construction update
Youtube link to drone footage for FHN Construction progress:
https://youtu.be/TJGo-xNlQ-k
