Council approves resolution supporting SJSD Prop 2
City Councilmembers signaled their support for the St. Joseph School District's upcoming ballot measure by approving a resolution in favor of the proposition.
Monday's City Council meeting saw members unanimously (9-0) approve a resolution supporting the Proposition 2 bond measure. Residents will vote next Tuesday, April 8, on a 60-cent tax increase that would help pay for the construction of two new high schools for the community. The tax increase would be part of a 20-year bond.
Monday's decision came after councilmembers previously held off on a vote at their last meeting March 17 pending additional information on the location of the proposed school.
"I was really surprised, especially after the last meeting. It gives me hope, you know, we're attempting to build a new high school, the first in 85 years," St. Joseph Board of Education President LaTonya Williams said.
The board announced via a press release Monday afternoon prior to the meeting that it had narrowed down a section of land it wanted to purchase for one of the new high schools, an area of land south of U.S. Highway 36. A second high school, which would be constructed after the south location, is being eyed north of U.S. Highway 36.
School Board President LaTonya Williams and board member Mike Moore -- along with other School District officials -- attended Monday's meeting to answer questions and address any concerns from councilmembers.
The unanimous vote came despite reservations from councilmember Jeff Schomburg. Schomburg said he supports the development of two new high schools but feels the board should have been more measured and transparent during the process, particularly on the exact location.
"I support the St. Joseph School District. I support having two schools. And I think it needs to be two new schools," he said. "I'm a voter just as much as everybody else on here ... I want to know details."
"I want you to know that we're doing the best that we can to be cautious with taxpayer dollars. And in order to do that, it means that the actual location is not able to be announced," Williams responded, encouraging
"We're only able to do what a majority of the board allows us to do, and there was not a majority of the board allowing us to even create a long range plan until the election last April."
Both agreed that modernized high school facilities are critical for long-term community growth.
If approved, the monthly expense for the levy increase on a $200,000 home would equate to $19. If approved, SJSD's debt service would also raise from 50 cents to $1.11.
Williams highly encourages any resident with unanswered questions or concerns to view the the district's long-range plan on their website or reach out directly to any of the board's members.
"Have a look at the information. And I don't mean your friend's comments on Facebook. I mean having a look at the website, having a look at the long range plan, contacting a member of the board," she said. "I want for any and everybody to be able to ask us."
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