Voters can cast their ballots on Affton School District’s Proposition 1 in the upcoming April 8 election.
The bond, if approved, would allow the district to use $30 million in funds for facility upgrades. It was approved for placement on the ballot during the Affton School District Board of Education’s Jan. 21 meeting.
Prop 1 is a zero-tax-rate-increase bond which aims to modernize district facilities, including upgraded security systems, lighting, heating and cooling systems and ADA-compliant accessibility enhancements. Cosmetic enhancements are also on the docket, with plans for new furniture and fresh paint coming to some Affton School District facilities.
Affton High School, Rogers Middle School, Gotsch Intermediate School and Mesnier Primary School would all receive upgrades.
“For many years, providing high quality schools has been a source of Affton pride,” the Affton School District website said. “Our schools are the backbone of our community.”
Prop 1 will not increase taxes for voters, though it will extend the current tax levy. If no future bond measures are passed, the current tax levy is set to expire in 2036 — by approving Prop 1, the levy would extend to 2048.
If voters approve Prop 1, these renovations will begin within the first year and develop in scheduled phases from there. The construction will be done primarily during summer breaks over the course of several years.
Notable changes to Affton High School would include an accessible ramp in the front entry, an ADA-accessible elevator near the courtyard and auditorium, a “more prominent entry with elevator” near the gym and pool, as well as a new café, coolers and freezers for the kitchen. The school library and its connected classrooms will also get a makeover to be more “modern, collaborative learning spaces”.
Rogers Middle School would see upgrades to the HVAC system across the facility, as well as new doors, windows, flooring and lighting. An ADA-accessible ramp and fresh bleachers would be new additions to the soccer and softball fields. Like the high school, the library would be revamped and would receive new furniture and new collaboration-focused classrooms.
A similar library remodel would come to Gotsch Intermediate School, along with ADA-compliant toilet renovations throughout the facility.
Mesnier Primary School would receive new paint finishes in the gym and along the exterior. The school’s outdoor green spaces might also see a refresh in the removal of old fencing and asphalt. In its place, new walking paths, a new rain garden and an outdoor classroom space would be added.
“(This proposal) enables us to create safe, modern, and accessible learning environments for our students while protecting our community’s investment in our schools,” Affton School District superintendent Travis Bracht said in a news release.
If Prop 1 does not pass, the district will continue working toward the completion of these renovations – though renovations will come in smaller increments over a longer period of time, and potentially increase costs. Without bond funding, the district will make upgrades as the budget allows. Taxes would remain at the same rate.
The renovations are part of a “facility master plan,” developed by a group of parents and staff members after a walk-through and evaluation of Affton School District facilities. For more detailed information on the facility master plan under Prop 1, visit afftonschools.net/page/prop-one.
