Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why do we need to update our middle and high school?
Our school is badly in need of an update. We are currently the only high school in Franklin and Chittenden County that does not have an auditorium. Our locker rooms, bathrooms, science labs and library facilities have not been updated in over 30 years. Just like with owning a home, updates are needed to maintain the integrity of the buildings.
Our school is badly in need of an update. We are currently the only high school in Franklin and Chittenden County that does not have an auditorium. Our locker rooms, bathrooms, science labs and library facilities have not been updated in over 30 years. Just like with owning a home, updates are needed to maintain the integrity of the buildings.
What does this mean for my taxes?
Taxes will increase. However, it is important to remember that Vermont schools are funded by education taxes paid into a common statewide system by all taxpayers in Vermont. Those with fixed incomes and combined earning below $141,000 are eligible for a property tax adjustment. The net effect is that this group of taxpayers are assessed at lower rate, which is known as the income sensitivity provisions. The number of households in Fairfax that are income sensitive is 65%. Which means that much of the costs of the project will be shared with other towns in Vermont. Just as the citizens of Fairfax support projects occurring in other schools throughout Vermont.
Taxes will increase. However, it is important to remember that Vermont schools are funded by education taxes paid into a common statewide system by all taxpayers in Vermont. Those with fixed incomes and combined earning below $141,000 are eligible for a property tax adjustment. The net effect is that this group of taxpayers are assessed at lower rate, which is known as the income sensitivity provisions. The number of households in Fairfax that are income sensitive is 65%. Which means that much of the costs of the project will be shared with other towns in Vermont. Just as the citizens of Fairfax support projects occurring in other schools throughout Vermont.
- The tax impact, if we were to incur this debt in FY18, is estimated to be between 11.56-13.38 cents. We cannot project what the impact would be in FY20 because the legislation governing education finance may change.
- With a 30 year bond at the highest anticipated interest rate, the cost per pupil calculated on the FY18 budget plus the estimated additional debt expenses would still remain below the FY17 state average per pupil.
- The potential impact of the additional debt services on the FY18 budget would be between a 7.12-8.24% increase.
Why couldn't you make the auditorium bigger?
The original BFA Fairfax included a 400 seat auditorium when originally constructed. While this is not the reason for the current plan, we did believe it brought our project full circle. An auditorium that might be used for large events and festivals would need to be at least 1000 seats. This is much larger (and costlier) than we would ever be able to utilize effectively. The committee decided on 400 seats due to space and costs.
The original BFA Fairfax included a 400 seat auditorium when originally constructed. While this is not the reason for the current plan, we did believe it brought our project full circle. An auditorium that might be used for large events and festivals would need to be at least 1000 seats. This is much larger (and costlier) than we would ever be able to utilize effectively. The committee decided on 400 seats due to space and costs.
How much is the project?
The total cost is 16 million. We will not be asking for another bond, if costs exceed the plans then the plans will need to be altered to match the costs. We have also built a 10% contingency fund included in the $16 million.
The total cost is 16 million. We will not be asking for another bond, if costs exceed the plans then the plans will need to be altered to match the costs. We have also built a 10% contingency fund included in the $16 million.
If the student population is declining, how can we spend so much money on a building improvement project?
While the current high school population is smaller than it was 15 years ago, the Town of Fairfax continues to grow. Our school population in the elementary school continues to grow and our building needs to be able to support continued growth in the next 25 years.
While the current high school population is smaller than it was 15 years ago, the Town of Fairfax continues to grow. Our school population in the elementary school continues to grow and our building needs to be able to support continued growth in the next 25 years.
Isn't our money better spent on programs?
We currently offer robust programs for students at BFA. Updating the facilities will open up further opportunities for all for our students.
We currently offer robust programs for students at BFA. Updating the facilities will open up further opportunities for all for our students.
Will the school become more available to the community?
Yes, after school hours we will have more space available for community use. This project includes a new full size gym, auditorium/performing arts center, updated library, and updated community areas for meetings and events.
Yes, after school hours we will have more space available for community use. This project includes a new full size gym, auditorium/performing arts center, updated library, and updated community areas for meetings and events.
What happens if the bond is rejected by the voters?
A 'no' vote on the bond question would postpone the timeline. Any construction or renovation would be delayed by at least one year. The Fairfax School Board and Long-Range Facilities Planning Committee would revisit the proposal and gather information from the community to bring it back for a vote at a later time.
A 'no' vote on the bond question would postpone the timeline. Any construction or renovation would be delayed by at least one year. The Fairfax School Board and Long-Range Facilities Planning Committee would revisit the proposal and gather information from the community to bring it back for a vote at a later time.
Why can't the Fairfax Baptist Building be updated to become an auditorium?
This building is not owned by the school. Retrofitting and purchasing a building offsite is cost prohibitive.
This building is not owned by the school. Retrofitting and purchasing a building offsite is cost prohibitive.