School Board Seeks April Passage of Zero-Tax Rate Increase Bond Measure for $53.6 Million Dollars
Approval will support newly proposed academic reforms
February 03, 2009
Voters who live in the School District of University City will be asked to approve a $53.6 million zero-tax-rate-increase bond measure known as Proposition U during the upcoming April 7 election.
If approved, funds from Proposition U will finance the construction of two new schools – Barbara Jordan and Pershing Elementary Schools, and pay for renovations at the district’s existing elementary schools, middle school and high school.
The ballot request is just part of the district’s overall plans that are aimed at reforming not only its aging facilities but its academic offerings as well.
In fact, over the past several months, the district has worked with a number of educational consultants that are helping to implement, based on current research and best practices, a comprehensive elementary, middle school and high school reform initiative that will be executed in phases over the next three to five years.
Some within the University City community who are unfamiliar with recent academic gains that have been made by students at all grade levels may question the need to support the zero-tax bond issue.
“Many of our buildings have inadequate lighting and classroom space, are not easily accessible, have leaky roofs as well as issues with heating, cooling and ventilation,” said Joylynn L. Wilson, superintendent of schools. “Our current facilities met the educational needs for 20th century students but are falling short to meet the educational and technology demands to successful educate students in the 21st century.”
“Facilities impact student learning,” added Chauna Williams, the district’s assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction. “If a building is below standard, students may question their value. The need to have quality instructional programming aligned with quality facilities is important.”
The decision to place Proposition U on the April ballot is based upon recommendations that were made during the district’s recent community engagement program known as Destination U. City Schools. Additionally, those who attended the Destination U. City Schools meetings recommended the district research best practices for pre-kindergarten instruction as well as look at redesigning and restructuring the academic programs for kindergarten through twelfth grades. The main goal of the proposed educational initiatives is to make the middle school and high school a top educational priority with a planned focus on professional development to support the initiatives.
For more information on Proposition U, details of specific building projects that will be funded by the measure as well as the district’s proposed educational reforms visit www.ucityschools.org. To learn more about the impact inadequate facilities have on student learning, visit the following recommended websites: www.ed.gov/offices/OESE/archives/inits/construction/impact2.html; http://schoolstudio.engr.wisc.edu/energysmartschools.html, and Reading a School Building Like a Book: The Influence of the Physical School Setting on Learning and Literacy, http://schoolstudio.engr.wisc.edu/readingschool.html
