The 4/7 Solution

On June 2 the patrons of the Francis Howell School District have the opportunity to approve a $244 bond issue for capital improvements. 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.

Proposition S would pay for the construction, repair, and renovation costs outlined in a Comprehensive Facilities Master Plan (CFMP). The bond issue would NOT raise the tax rate, and funds from a bond issue CANNOT pay for salaries, benefits, supplies, utilities, or other operating costs. 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. 

The District has 29 separate facilities, including three early childhood centers, ten elementary schools, five middle schools, three high schools, an administration building, and seven other sites. These sites include over 2.7 million square feet of building space under roof, with miles of plumbing and wiring and hundreds of mechanical systems. The average building in the District is 30 years old, and the oldest building is now more than 50 years old. Many systems, like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, are reaching the end of their useful life.

The CFMP calls for major updates at the older schools in the District over the next 10 to 15 years, including Henderson, Fairmount, Becky-David, Hollenbeck, and Barnwell. The CFMP includes improvements and safety updates at all FHSD schools. The plan also includes the construction of a new Francis Howell North High School (originally built in 1981 as Henderson Middle school).

A strong public school system protects property values, provides a qualified workforce, lowers crime rates, creates a better sense of community, and enhances public services with less demand for social programs. The Francis Howell School District needs your help; the 4/7 solution can be solved by the patrons of the District: Vote YES on Prop S June 2.

More detailed information can be obtained here on the Francis Howell School website.