SPECIAL EDITION of The PRIDE

Bond Issue April 5

willardbondissue.net

 

From the Superintendent

This year the Willard Board of Education awarded Jimmy He, a Willard senior, the board's "Excellence Award." Jimmy is one example of the incredible students that attend our schools. Jimmy began a school project to provide blankets to individuals that are homeless. The project grew with several of Jimmy's friends participating. Then local churches and organizations became involved with the effort. Now Jimmy has extended the ministry outside the Willard/Springfield community into other parts of the state. This effort began as a simple school project. Jimmy turned it into a passion which is helping countless others.

Howe and Strauss write in their book "Millennial's Rising" the following: "The Millennial Generation will entirely recast the image of youth from downbeat and alienated to upbeat and engaged with potentially seismic consequences for America."

I believe Willard Schools play a huge roll in unleashing this potential. Jimmy has an understanding and passion that could never be learned in a traditional classroom. Willard continues to work hard to help young people not only succeed in the classroom but to find their passions and succeed in life! Every teacher, administrator, aide, custodian, bus driver and support staff member, from elementary to high school, plays a vital role. Every parent and community member that volunteers, votes and supports our schools is important in this process of shaping this generation of Willard kids.

This April, Willard Public Schools has placed a bond issue on the ballot. The details of that issue are summarized below.  One of the main reasons for this bond issue is that Willard Schools continue to grow. All of us personally understand that people want their children in Willard Schools. Our district is an excellent place to plant roots and grow as a family. 

This continued growth demands that we continue to build classrooms, plan for the future, and maintain our current buildings. These projects are foundational to helping our students succeed. That is the focus of the 2016 bond issue. I encourage you to become informed about the issue and vote on April 5th. Together, we'll continue to help all Willard students succeed!

Kent E. Medlin
Superintendent
District Growth Continues
  • Enrollment has increased by over 1,000 students in the past decade

  • We've added 300 students (the size of an elementary school) since 2013

  • Orchard Hills Elementary alone has grown 48% since opening in 2009

  • Total enrollment is projected to reach 5,000 students within the next 5 years
This WILL NOT Increase Taxes 
  • This is a $5.5 million bond issue with NO TAX INCREASE

  • This issue WILL NOT INCREASE THE TIME needed to pay off existing bonds

  • This issue addresses URGENT NEEDS ONLY in our Willard Schools

  • It's been 9 YEARS since Willard approved a bond issue for schools
Three Urgent Projects to be Addressed

 

Additional Classrooms at Orchard Hills Elementary   This is a 4-classroom addition on the southeast end of the building that will also include a "Learning Park," teacher work space and additional restrooms.

 

Heat & Air Systems at North Elementary & Intermediate  Two old boiler systems that date back to the 1950's will be replaced with new, heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems.

 

Prepare for a South Side Intermediate School   Draw plans and secure a site for a second 5th & 6th grade building in the south part of the district to meet the growth needs in those neighborhoods.

Informational Meetings Scheduled
For more information join us for one of these short informational meetings.
  • Mon., March 14 @ 6p Central Elementary
  • Mon., March 14 @ 6p North Elementary
  • Tues., March 15 @ 6p Orchard Hills Elementary
  • Thurs., March 17 @ 5:30p Intermediate School Library
  • Tues., March 22 @ 12p District Office
  • Wed., March 23 @ 11:30a Willard Community Center
  • Thurs., March 24 @ 5:30p Middle School
  • Thurs., March 24 @ 6:30p High School
  • Fri., March 25 @ 12p Orchard Hills Elementary
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