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Proposition S News

Latest updates from the Citizens for Francis Howell and Proposition S:

District voters approved Proposition S with 79.28 percent voting YES.  Thank you to all of our voters who understood the current state of our facilities and the positive long-term impact Prop S funding would have on our students, our staff, and our schools.

Tuesday, June 20, 2023 11:48 AM

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


Wednesday, February 22, 2023 10:10 AM

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.”


Friday, February 10, 2023 4:40 PM

FHN Construction update February 2023

Follow this link to  FH Board update from Jeremy Boettler,Construction Manager

 

Prop_S_Update_-_2022-05-19.pdf

 


Tuesday, August 16, 2022 2:28 PM

Drone view FH North construction update

Youtube link to drone footage for FHN Construction progress:

https://youtu.be/TJGo-xNlQ-k

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Thursday, May 26, 2022 10:45 AM

May 2022 Construction update

Attached update on Prop S Construction....

Prop_S_Update_-_2022-05-19.pdf


Saturday, April 23, 2022 11:09 AM

Construction Update at April BOE meeting

Attached is Board Docs Prop S construction update from April 19 BOE meeting.


Saturday, December 18, 2021 11:40 AM

Francis Howell North Project will proceed

The Board of Education approved bid package #5 and accepted SM Wilson's Guaranteed Maximum Price of $164,723,000. The District's Prop S website will be updated with revised budgets and cost tracking.

Motion was to accept SM Wilson’s Bid Package #05, valued at $126,628,817 and continue construction of the new Francis Howell North High School; the project will be protected from future price escalation.

Moving ahead with the construction of North at the increased cost means we will have to re-prioritize other Prop S
projects and as a result, some work that was originally planned will not be completed. A future bond issue may be
required to accomplish the full scope of work projected as part of Prop S

 

 


Sunday, November 28, 2021 11:28 AM

Prop S Construction Update


Revised cost projections for the Francis Howell North project were presented to the Board by SM Wilson, the District's construction manager. Due to an unprecedented increase in material and labor costs, construction of the new Francis Howell North project will require $164.7M. This is considerably higher than the original project budget of $83.5M estimated in 2018 as part of the Prop S planning. The Board and Administration, with input from the Facilities Committee and members of the community, must now consider the ramifications of this revised cost projection and determine how to move forward in the most fiscally responsible way.
 
The Board will hold a special work session at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 7 to consider options for the Francis Howell North project and ask additional questions of Administration and SM Wilson.
 
The Board invites FHSD staff, students and residents to come together as we grapple with this unfortunate news and determine how to move forward with North and the additional Prop S projects that may be impacted.
 
Special Board meetings and work sessions do not typically include patron comments, but given the magnitude of this decision, the Board will designate a 30-minute period for patron comments during the Dec. 7 meeting; patron comments must be related to Prop S and the Francis Howell North construction project. Additionally, patrons are encouraged to email Board members with questions, concerns and comments prior to the work session so that all voices can be heard.
 
No votes or Board action regarding the Francis Howell North project will take place until the regularly scheduled Board meeting on Dec. 16.
dd your news summary here.


Thursday, November 4, 2021 11:11 AM

Prop S projects continue to be impacted by ongoing challenges facing the construction industry, including high demand, labor shortages, inflationary material costs and COVID-related delays in the steel and aluminum industries, which affect project timelines and budgets.
 
The District’s facilities advisory committee – made up of staff, parents and community stakeholders – has been proactively re-evaluating projects, with the goal of providing the greatest possible value for the District at the lowest possible cost in a difficult market. It is possible that some Prop S projects will need to be delayed, reconfigured or reprioritized in response to rising costs and supply shortages.
 
Four additional security vestibule projects at Barnwell, Francis Howell Middle, Independence, and John Weldon were completed over fall break, and construction on the new Francis Howell North is moving along well. The Guaranteed Maximum Price, or GMP, for the Francis Howell North project will be presented at a Board meeting in the near future. It is expected to come in higher than previously expected for the reasons noted above concerning the construction industry.
 
View the latest Construction Update presented to the Board of Education and follow along with Prop S progress at fhsdschools.org/props.


Friday, October 22, 2021 2:48 PM

October Prop S Update

Prop S - Project Manager Jeremy Boettler gave a Prop S update, again reiterating ongoing challenges facing the construction industry, including high demand, labor shortages, inflationary material costs and COVID-related delays in the steel and aluminum industries, which impact project timelines and budgets. Boettler also shared that the facilities advisory committee has been proactively re-evaluating and prioritizing projects, with the goal of providing the greatest possible value for the District at the lowest possible cost in a difficult market.

Boettler said four additional security vestibule projects are scheduled for completion over fall break and construction on the new Francis Howell North is moving along well. The Guaranteed Maximum Price, or GMP, for the Francis Howell North project will be presented at a Board meeting in the near future. It is expected to come in higher than previously expected for the reasons noted above concerning the construction industry.


Saturday, August 21, 2021 1:53 PM

Prop S August Update

PROP S: District-wide improvements continue to take shape thanks to the $244 million bond issue passed by voters last summer to make our facilities safer for students and staff.
 
A number of projects were completed this summer, including:
  • FHN/Henderson’s entry drive was expanded to separate construction traffic from school traffic as part of the progress on the new Francis Howell North High School
  • FHC and Saeger’s parking lots were repaved
  • Track and parking lot replacement/renovations were completed at Bryan Middle
  • Major systems (HVAC, Boiler Loop, Electrical) were replaced at Becky-David, along with new paint, lighting and floors
While much progress has been made, Prop S work continues to be impacted by inflationary costs and manufacturing delays in the construction industry – both of which impact project budgets and timelines. As one example, security vestibule projects around the District have been impacted by COVID-related material delays in the steel and aluminum industries. Without the necessary interior and exterior doors required to complete the vestibules, some schools – including Bryan and Saeger middle schools – will start the school year with a temporary secure entrance.
 
The District Facilities Committee continues to monitor costs and material delays and make adjustments to Prop S plans where necessary. Stay informed about Prop S projects at fhsdschools.org/props.


Sunday, May 23, 2021 10:02 AM

Groundbreaking Held for New Francis Howell North, Prop S Website Launched

Check the Prop S page on the FH District website for frequent updates on construction progress and expenses


Tuesday, March 30, 2021 9:56 AM

Prop S March 2021 Update

March 2021

In March, the District awarded Hof Construction the contract for District wide security vestibules installation, with work set to begin at the conclusion of this school year.

The new security vestibules, which will be part of each school’s front entrance, will enhance the safety of the schools and be ready when students return for the 2021-2022 school year. Impacted schools include Becky-David Elementary, Castlio Elementary, Central Elementary, Harvest Ridge Elementary, Independence Elementary, John Weldon Elementary, Warren Elementary, Barnwell Middle School, Bryan Middle School, Francis Howell Middle School, Hollenbeck Middle School, Saeger Middle School and Francis Howell High School.  

Becky David After LightsBecky David Before Lights

During Spring Break, Prop S work began at Becky-David Elementary. The Facilities and Operations Department utilized this past week to get a jump start on renovation work to try to make up for the week lost due to weather earlier in the Spring. All classroom lights were updated to new LED fixtures and common areas such as the gyms and cafeteria were painted.

Over the summers of 2021 and 2022, Becky-David will have it’s electrical and HVAC systems updated, painting of the classrooms, new flooring, tuckpointing of the building, bathroom updates, parking lot repairs and updates plus much more.

Also in March, the City of St. Peters Planning and Zoning Commission approved site plans for the new Francis Howell North High School.

FHN Elevations

A traffic study at the campus was conducted this month to help ensure traffic runs smoothly both during construction and after the new high school opens.

Additionally, this month, geotechnical testing was conducted in the footprint of the new high school building. Using large drilling rigs, borings were drilled over 20 feet into the ground in order to collect soil samples. These samples help engineers understand the properties of the soil and groundwater beneath the new school, as these site characteristics impact building design.

Add your news summary here.


Saturday, February 27, 2021 11:19 AM

Prop S February Update

This month, the architect for the Francis Howell North project met with Principal Dr. Nathan Hostetler and staff members from the academic and athletic departments to discuss design plans for the new FHN. The project's Construction Manager At-Risk, S.M. Wilson, provided a Schematic Budget for the FHN campus. A schematic site plan, which shows the existing and proposed developments to the campus, was submitted for review to the City of St. Peters Planning and Zoning Commission. A package for multiple security vestibules throughout the District was sent out for bids from local contractors, with construction to occur during the summer.Add your news summary here.

[In order to keep Prop S construction timelines on track, the Board may conduct Special Board Meetings to allow for more nimble and timely approvals. Virtual meetings may be utilized when there are only one or two items up for approval and the meeting is expected to be brief. Follow BoardDocs for updated information.]


Sunday, January 24, 2021 2:56 PM

Prop S Update-Projects underway

Last summer, voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition S, a bond issue that addresses critical infrastructure needs across the District. 

Director of Facilities John Klein provided the Board of Education with an update on Prop S at the January 21 Board meeting.


Tuesday, July 21, 2020 4:15 PM

Project Manager for Prop S approved

Board of Education approved, on June 18, entering into an agreement with Atlas Building Group, to provide project management services for the Francis Howell School District on the Prop S projects, effective June 22, 2020, at an average hourly rate of $125.00 per hour.


Tuesday, July 21, 2020 4:07 PM

Board of Education Election June 2

In the June 2 election, candidates Mary Lange, Patrick Lane, and Doug Ziegemeier were elected to the Board of Education. This will be the second term for both Lange and Lane, and a first term for Ziegemeier. 


Monday, June 1, 2020 9:58 AM

Making Sure Prop S is on Your Ballot

What to do if Prop S is not on your ballot. 


Wednesday, May 27, 2020 11:06 AM

Polling Place Updates

Did your polling place change for the June 2 election? Check out the list of update poll locations. 


Wednesday, May 27, 2020 11:00 AM

Download a Prop S Printable Flyer

Download and print a flyer to help get the word out about Prop S and the June 2 election. 


Tuesday, May 26, 2020 3:30 PM

The 4/7 Solution

Passage of Proposition S would require approval by four out of seven voters, or a little more than 57 percent in the June 2 election—the 4/7 solution. Vote YES on Prop S and help us improve schools across the entire Francis Howell School District. 


Friday, May 15, 2020 1:06 PM

Vote from Home in the June 2 Election

Complete your request for an absentee ballot by May 20 to vote from home in the June 2 General Municipal Election. Full instructions and a sharable flyer included. 


Friday, May 15, 2020 11:28 AM

Proposition S Facility Update Overview

Proposition S impacts 29 schools and over 17,000 students in our district. See an overview of how the funds generated by Proposition S will improve different facilities. 


Monday, March 23, 2020 9:59 PM

Proposition S Election Postponed Until June 2

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Governor Mike Parson has signed Executive Order 20-03, ordering all Missouri municipal elections previously scheduled on April 7 to be postponed until June 2. In compliance with the Executive Order, Proposition S will now appear on the June 2, 2020, ballot.


Monday, March 2, 2020 10:03 PM

Approve Proposition S for a New North High School

Francis Howell North High School opened in 1981 as Henderson Middle School. In the decades that followed, there were six additional phases with no single master plan guiding the placement of additions. The result is a building structure that presents challenges for appropriate supervision of students and creates potential student and staff safety issues.


Monday, February 24, 2020 8:26 PM

Approval of Prop S Would Provide Additional Space and Improve Safety at Henderson

Henderson Elementary was opened in 1986 and is now more than 30 years old. It is also one of the smallest schools in the District in terms of square footage, and the building has run out of classroom space.


Monday, February 24, 2020 7:24 PM

How will the approval of Prop S improve safety and security?

One of the most effective means of preventing intruders in the school environment is to control access at the main entrance of the building.


Monday, February 10, 2020 8:11 PM

Vote Yes on Prop S to Ensure Our Facilities Staff Have Needed Resources

Older buildings require significant repair and maintenance, and many of the District’s building systems, like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, are reaching the end of their useful life. It is the great work on the men and women in the FHSD Facilities and Maintenance departments that keeps ourfacilities up and running for our students and staff.


Thursday, February 6, 2020 7:28 PM

Outdated Systems at Becky-David Elementary

Becky-David is also one of the oldest schools in the District. In the basement is an electrical system so fragile that only Ameren employees have access to the electrical sub-basement. FHSD has over 2.7 million square feet under roof, and this is the only area of the District that our highly-qualified maintenance employees are not allowed to enter.


Sunday, January 26, 2020 9:44 PM

Why build a new Francis Howell North instead of renovating the existing building?

Francis Howell North High School opened in 1981 as Henderson Middle School. In the decades that followed, six additions were made to the building with no overall master plan, resulting in a variety of roof structures and heating and air-conditioning systems serving all of those different areas.


Sunday, January 26, 2020 8:39 PM

Phase I and Phase II Projects


The Phase I and Phase II project lists indicate how those funds will be allocated across the District.


Monday, January 13, 2020 9:00 PM

Comprehensive Facilities Master Plan

The FHSD Board of Education commissioned the development of a Comprehensive Facilities Master Plan as a proactive approach to assessing the capital needs of the different campuses and facilities located across the District. The CFMP identified $300 million of capital improvements necessary to be made over the course of the next 20+ years.


Saturday, December 21, 2019 9:00 PM

Francis Howell Board Votes to put Bond Issue on April Ballot

The Francis Howell School District Board of Education voted unanimously to place Proposition S on the April 7, 2020, ballot. Proposition S is a $240 million bond issue that will not increase the current tax rate. Voter approval of Proposition S would allow the District to borrow money now and in the future to address pressing facility needs at schools across the District.


Paid for by Citizens for Francis Howell
Stephen Johnson, Treasurer
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