We're off and running with bond issue fast approaching
We are off and running. Overall, we have had a strong start to the school year. We greatly appreciate our parents and guardians understanding and patience as we navigate the road construction season and start of school. In addition, a special thank you to the Brandon Police Department for the strong presence and patrol of our school zones during a.m. and p.m. drop-off. Our law enforcement’s presence and assistance in our efforts to keep students safe is greatly appreciated.
Student enrollment in BV is up and further emphasizes our need to build an additional elementary school building. On September 10, we are looking for the Brandon Valley community to pass a bond issue that will fund the building of an elementary school on 41st Street and Sparta Avenue, as well as the purchase of 21 acres of land that will be utilized for a future school site. I would emphasize the following key points to our patrons regarding the upcoming School Bond Election:
- School District Need
- No Property Tax Increase
- Previous Boundary Adjustments To Effectively Utilize Current Facilities
School District Need. The Brandon Valley School District has and continues to experience manageable student growth. In the last decade, BV has grown by more than 1,000 students. This consistent student growth drives the need for an additional school facility.
No Property Tax Increase. Robert Bennis Elementary will be coming off the tax rolls in July 2020. The proposed bond will have the same, or slightly less, impact on the school tax levy.
Previous Boundary Adjustments To Effectively Utilize Current Facilities. As Fred Assam was quickly approaching capacity, we altered our elementary boundary lines to move some student enrollment from Fred Assam Elementary to Brandon Elementary. This action allowed us to delay the need for a school bond for one year. Stewardship of our patrons’ tax dollars is always a priority and effectively utilizing our available space is critical to our stewardship.
Informational School Bond Sessions will be held on the following dates / locations.
- August 27 – Fred Assam PTA Meeting @ 6:30 p.m.
- August 27 – Robert Bennis Elementary @ 6:30 p.m.
- August 27 - BVHS Community Room – Open House 6:30 p.m.
- August 29 – Valley Springs Elementary @ 7:00 p.m.
- September 3 – Fred Assam Elementary Meeting @ 6:30 p.m.
- September 3 – Costello Apartments @ 8:00 p.m.
- September 5 – Brandon Elementary @ 6:30 p.m.
Go Lynx!