Fremont Public Schools Bond Issue 

Bond Issue Passes

Fremont, Neb. – (Sep. 14, 2021) The citizens of Fremont had an opportunity to decide the fate of a $123 million, no tax levy increase, bond issue. Based on the final unofficial results from the Dodge, Saunders and Douglas County Election Commissioners, the bond issue passed with a 65-35% vote. 6,156 voters voted in the election, with 3,987 voting in favor and 2,164 voting against.

The election is the culmination of 18 months of work including a professional services study of all FPS facilities, a curriculum alignment process and a community survey.  “The community survey served as the basis for identifying the project list and identifying direction, scope and size of the project and bond question, stated Dr. Brad Dahl, associate superintendent.  

A citizens committee consisting of 50-60 people vetted the projects and offered suggestions which were included in the final project list.  The major emphasis of the identified priorities includes rebuilding three elementary schools, a 12 classroom addition and additional fine arts space at Johnson Crossing, a classroom addition at Linden Elementary, improvements at the high school, safety and security updates to a number of facilities and a new stand alone Career Technical Education facility on the High School campus.  

“In Fremont, we are fortunate to have a community that supports our public, private and parochial schools.  I am not surprised by the results, they reflect the community’s sentiment and priority which is placed on education,” stated Mark Shepard, superintendent of schools.  

A number of people and organizations have been instrumental in putting together background work, developing a plan and a campaign strategy to bring this through to fruition.  Brett and Heidi Richmond and Chuck and Caryl Johannsen are to be commended for their leadership as campaign co-chairs.  The co-chairs released a heartfelt thank you to the community, the administration and members of the Board of Education, the Citizens Committee and everyone that contributed to the campaign with funds and in-kind work.  “This is a great example of the way our community comes together to support identified needs,” commented Chuck Johannsen.

Further planning for the facility upgrades will begin immediately with construction commencing as early as next spring and all projects completed in the next three to four years.  The team at BVH Architects and Morrissey engineering will begin design work soon and DA Davidson will package the bonds in preparation for issuing the debt, taking full advantage of the very favorable bond market.

“On behalf of the Board of Education, THANK YOU FREMONT! Our students, staff and community will all benefit from this positive vote for our future!” stated Sandi Proskovec.

Ballots were mailed out the week of August 24 and were due back in the County Clerk’s office no later than 5:00 pm on September 14.

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The mission statement of the Fremont Public Schools is to produce creative, adaptable, productive citizens committed to lifelong learning.