Fremont Public Schools Bond Issue 

Bond Issue Update

Fremont, Neb. – (Dec. 16, 2021) The citizens of Fremont approved a $123 million, no tax levy increase, bond issue in September. The successful election was the culmination of 18 months of ground work including a professional services study of all FPS facilities, a curriculum alignment process and a community survey.  

The major emphasis of the identified priority projects 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 Career Technical Education facility on the High School campus.  

Planning for the facility upgrades began immediately following the successful election. The BVH design team has been meeting with FPS staff weekly, updating the Board of Education and the Board of Education facilities committee monthly. Construction on the bond projects will commence as early as Spring 2022 and all projects will be completed in the next three to four years.  

High School/CTE Project Update:

Initial on-site investigation and documentation work has been completed at the High School.  The design team will continue verification of the existing conditions throughout the project as the design is fully developed. The existing site topography and utility survey is under way on site and should be available by end of December/Early January for the design team to utilize during design. The initial programing for both the High School Renovation and CTE project is nearing completion and initial schematic design is underway for both.  The master planning of the high school campus site is nearing completion as well.  The design work will continue through this year and into next year with the intention of early site construction beginning once school is out in May of 2022.

Washington, Howard, and Clarmar Elementary Project Update:

Several floor plan options have been explored and tested on the Washington and Howard sites with a focus on the building location, playground, traffic, parking and services. Adjustments have been made from comments received during multiple reviews with the building committee. The preferred plan design has been further developed for all three sites. The team is entering into more detailed design of the plan including the classroom wings, administration and student service areas. Upcoming meetings will involve review and comments from the FPS elementary staff at each site.  Analysis of the potential sites for the new Clarmar Elementary school replacement is near completion. Surveys of Washington and Howard are also underway.

Milliken Park Elementary Project Update:

Initial on-site investigation, verification, and documentation work has been completed. Site Survey proposal requests have been issued to surveyors for a partial Site Survey that will be necessary for documentation of the area needed for the proposed location of a new Geothermal well field. Schematic Design and Program, Scope, and Budget verification work is in progress. Design work will continue through the Winter months in preparation for bidding in the Spring of 2022. 

Lenihan/Learning Center Project Update:

Initial on-site investigation, verification, and documentation work has been completed. BVH and FPS representatives recently conducted an observation of the roof to determine the extent of roof repairs that will be necessary. Program, Scope, and Budget verification work is in progress in preparation for Schematic Design beginning in December. Design work will continue through the Winter months in preparation for bidding in the Spring of 2022. 

Bell Field Elementary Project Update:

BVH and FPS representatives recently conducted an observation of the roof to determine the extent of roof repairs that will be necessary. Program, Scope, and Budget verification work is in progress in preparation for design work to begin in the Spring of 2022. 

Linden Elementary Project Update:

Site Survey proposal requests will be issued in December in preparation for the design work which is scheduled to begin in the Spring of 2022.

Johnson Crossing Academic Center Project Update:

Site Survey work is under contract. Design work is scheduled to begin in the Spring/Summer of 2022.

“We appreciate all of the input from the community, staff and architects to create the best use of our spaces that will fit the needs of our staff and students,” stated Mark Shepard, superintendent. “The District is currently working with D.A Davison to package the sale of the Bonds,” stated Brad Dahl, associate superintendent. “Taking advantage of the historically low bond market continues to be a priority.”

The Board of Education, on Monday evening, adopted policy and a resolution designed to allow the District access to the Construction Alternatives Act. The intent is to begin a process to select a Construction Manager at Risk for the High School renovation project and new CTE Center. The process, outlined in Statute, requires a committee structure which includes Board Members, Architects, administrators and representatives from the community with knowledge of the construction manager at risk process.  Paul Gifford and Brett Richmond will serve on the review committee as the community members. “Paul and Brett bring a wealth of experience to the table in helping us review the firms that are competing for this important work,” stated Dahl.  

To view the presentation given at the Board of Education meeting, with preliminary designs, click here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tES9rge1SEGKsaQcdKKMn7MknTHpo2pQ/view?usp=sharing

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

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.

 

Fremont Public Schools Bond Issue Update

Safety, Security & Technology

 

Fremont, Neb. – (Sep. 10, 2021) On September 14 the citizens of Fremont will have an opportunity to decide the fate of a $123 million, no tax levy increase, bond issue.  A major emphasis of the bond issue is being placed on student safety, security and technology.

 

As part of obtaining information leading up to the Board of Education placing the question on the ballot, the District conducted a community survey.  The survey asked questions related to a variety of issues.  “One of the major themes that the survey results highlighted was related to safety, security and technology,” stated Brad Dahl, associate superintendent for FPS.  He went on to say, “with 1,477 people responding to the survey, the results have been invaluable in serving as a basis to draw from in relation to size, scope and focus of the bond projects.”  Other themes included placing an emphasis on our elementary school programs and buildings (as reported on August 20) and creating operational and energy efficiencies (as reported on September 3).

 

The successful bond issue in 1999 provided the first opportunity for the District to begin the process of providing a secured single point of entry for most elementary buildings and the newly developed Bell Field Elementary and Fremont Middle School.  This design created a vestibule with a window and a system for allowing entry in a secured fashion after acknowledging the individual’s purpose for gaining access to the building. The High School main entrance was also modified to create a similar single point of entry.

 

In 2012, when Johnson Crossing Academic Center opened, the building featured a similar single point of entry with a controlled access vestibule and the ability to route all visitors through the main office prior to entering the building.  “Over the years we have learned much about the safety and security of K-12 schools,” said Kevin Kavan, FPS Safety and Security Coordinator.  “We know that deterrents are one of the main keys in keeping our students and staff safe.  The controlled access points not only serve as a barrier to direct access to the building, they allow human interaction with individuals that need access, allowing the staff to gauge their frame of mind.”  

 

The 2000 update to the High School provided the single point of entry and secured access.  Better accessibility to the facility was not accomplished through these modifications.  The entrance on Lincoln Avenue is attractive and has served its purpose for the past 20 years.  In the proposed list of projects is a new main entrance on the south side of the building with access from 16th Street. The relocated main entrance would allow for greater accessibility to the building from the south parking lot and provide a secured entrance. “If you’ve attended events in the Nell McPherson Theatre you know that accessibility can be a challenge – this upgrade will provide for more direct access to the south side of the building and provide for new ADA accessible restrooms serving that end of the building,” stated Myron Sikora, FHS Principal.

 

The north end of the building will also receive a new entrance with direct access to the two competition gymnasiums. The activities office will be moved to the north entrance and serve as a secured access point. “The new entrance will not only allow for better access to the gyms, it will be located closer to the parking lot which is key for parents, grandparents and other fans who come to support our student athletes,” stated Scott Anderson, FHS Activities Director.

 

Milliken Park Elementary, which was built as part of the 1978 bond issue, is an open space designed building.  The facility accommodates small and large group activities but is very limited when student safety and security is considered.  The office is not currently located at the main entrance and once a person is inside the building, the individual has access to most areas.  As a part of the bond issue, walls will be constructed and the main entrance area will be redesigned to create a secured, single point of entry.

 

Technology is the other point of emphasis highlighted by the community survey and recognized by the citizens committee.  When considering that the three elementary buildings being replaced and the large section of the High School which is being renovated, were constructed in the 50’s and 60’s, and the first personal computers began to be introduced in classrooms in the early 1980’s, electrical and connectivity needs have changed greatly.  

 

The three elementary buildings slated for replacement have classrooms equipped with one outlet in the front of the classroom and one in the back.  Each of the District’s 5,000 students now have access to a computer device on a daily basis – the classrooms are not really designed for the use of technology.  “The District has done an outstanding job of providing connectivity – the challenge is having enough access to electricity in the classrooms for keeping the devices charged,” commented Cliff Huss, FPS Director of IT.  “With every student having a portable device, at some point during the day (or night) 5,000 devices need to be recharged, this doesn’t even take into consideration other devices utilized in the classroom that require electricity,” he concluded.  

 

“The opportunity presented with the no tax-levy increase bond issue provides our students with a better environment that is more conducive to learning, and the community a giant leap forward in providing an environment that meets the safety, security and technology needs of today and tomorrow’s classrooms,”  stated Heidi Richmond, co-chair of the Task Force for Kids campaign committee. She encourages everyone to visit the District’s website at www.fremonttigers.org to learn more.

 

Ballots were mailed out August 26 and are 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.

Fremont Public Schools Bond Issue Update

Operational & Energy Efficiencies

 

Fremont, Neb. – (Sep. 2, 2021) On September 14 the citizens of Fremont will have an opportunity to decide the fate of a $123 million, no tax levy increase, bond issue.  A major emphasis of the bond issue is being placed on indoor air quality and creating operational and energy efficiencies.

 

Washington, Howard and Clarmar Elementary schools will be completely rebuilt, Linden Elementary will have the 1950’s wing replaced and Milliken Park Elementary, an open space designed school built in the late 70’s, will receive walls for instructional and security purposes as well as indoor air quality improvements (IAQ).  A large portion of the High School will also receive indoor air quality improvements and code updates.

 

When people think of IAQ they automatically think about the HVAC system.  The IAQ designation in the district’s list of projects to be funded with the proposed bond issue goes well beyond the HVAC system and truly represents a total reconditioning of the interior/exterior building components.  Buildings built in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s did not place an emphasis on energy efficiency.  Boilers were used to heat and single pane windows were opened to cool, air exchange and bringing in fresh air were not priorities.

 

In 1999-2000, when the District passed a $29.9 million bond issue, air conditioning the elementary buildings was a major component.  At that time, state of the art rooftop units were placed above the corridors in elementary schools with two purposes – provide A/C in the cooling season and fresh air during the heating season.  The rooftop units were researched and the end result was to purchase and install units which featured a fresh air component and an energy recovery system. The past two weeks of hot weather are examples of times when the District would have released students early due to the heat in the past.  During the pandemic, having appropriate air turnover has been key in limiting the exposure of the virus in the classrooms.

 

In 2010, when Johnson Crossing Academic Center was built, a system that utilizes the earth’s constant ground temperature was installed for feeding the classroom heat pumps.  This system called ground source geo-thermal utilizes a series of closed loop wells to pre-heat/pre-cool the water that is looped throughout the building.  With this system, the heat pumps are starting the process of heating and cooling water that is at a constant temperature.  On days when the temperature outside is 96° and on days when the temperature outside is 12° the system utilizing the series of wells begins the process at approximately 55°. These types of systems have now been used in schools in Nebraska for approximately 20 years.  

 

Nebraska and Fremont are positioned well geographically for the utilization of ground source geothermal systems.  We have a balanced number of heating and cooling days and being positioned above the Ogallala aquifer is a major advantage.  In some communities the substrate below the surface may be granite or limestone and although they do have the ability to shed heat they are nowhere near as efficient as the water infiltrated sand based aquifer.  

 

When looking at the energy efficiency of these systems typical buildings will experience a reduction in energy consumption due to improved building technology, when coupled with LED lighting even greater efficiencies are experienced. Ground source geothermal systems will be utilized in the new buildings and evaluated from a cost/benefit perspective for renovated spaces. 

 

One of the goals of the overall project is to minimize the impact on the community’s energy resources.  With ground source geo-thermal and LED lighting being utilized for the new elementary schools, the CTE center and the renovations at the high school, Howard, Washington and Clarmar, will be nearly energy neutral while providing increased square footage and student capacity.  “Not only will the District be saving money in their operational budget, they will not be placing a burden on the Department of Utilities grid space. As the city continues to grow this becomes even more important,” stated John Delaney of the Morrissey Engineering team.

 

Areas of the buildings receiving IAQ upgrades will also have a complete refresh of the interior finishes – painting, flooring, ceilings, etc. and all building envelope systems. “For all intents and purposes the buildings will be modernized and have a new look and feel to them,” said Jeff Glosser, FPS General Operations Administrator.

 

The three new elementaries will have four classrooms of each grade level.  “Not only does this model create the efficiencies outlined above, over the long term it reduces the Districts’ need to build additional buildings.  By moving from two and a half or three section buildings to full four section buildings you, in effect, gain the equivalent of an additional elementary building through the process.  The core spaces are more efficiently utilized and the eye to the future is there to accommodate additional students,” said Brad Dahl, Associate Superintendent. 

 

The design for the new elementary schools will be rooted in the Bell Field elementary school floor plan.  Bell Field, which opened in 2001 has many spaces within the building that are completely relevant to the current and future needs of educational delivery models.  The site at Bell Field accommodated a core hub based design with classroom pod areas around the perimeter.  The new elementary school design will be more linear with the core areas aligned and the classroom pod areas protruding from them.  The linear design will work well with the sites and will allow for construction to take place with minimal disruption to the existing learning environment.  “The architects will spend considerable time working with teams of teachers to identify what really works well in their current classrooms / buildings and what improvements can be made to better accommodate instructional needs,” commented Dahl.

 

Beyond the energy efficiencies the larger sized elementary buildings will provide for operational savings and allow for the District’s specialists time to be utilized for instructional purposes.  “The District has traveling specialists in the areas of art, music, library/media and physical education.  We have individuals that provide special education services – many of which serve multiple buildings.  Having larger elementaries, serving more students at a location, allows for less travel time ultimately providing a more efficient and effective model,” stated Kevin Eairleywine, executive director of elementary education.  

 

Larger buildings with more sections in each grade has proven to be a more efficient staffing model making it more effective to balance class sizes.  Having one to three section buildings –  balancing class size within the building over grade levels is difficult, it is even more difficult when comparing class sizes from across the District.  “Although student achievement data is not necessarily directly correlated to class size, classroom management becomes a challenge the larger they get.  Accommodations related to spacing is something the District has been challenged with in dealing with the pandemic and other annual illnesses,” concluded Eairleywine.

 

“The opportunity presented with the no tax levy increase bond issue provides our students with a better environment more conducive to learning and the community a giant leap forward in providing a more efficient and effective model. These improvements ultimately save the taxpayers money in the long run,” stated Caryl Johannsen, co-chair of the Task Force for Kids campaign committee. 

 

Ballots were mailed out August 26 and are 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.

    

Fremont Public Schools Bond Issue Update

Career & Technical Education Center

Fremont, Neb. – (Aug. 26, 2021) On September 14 the citizens of Fremont will have an opportunity to decide the fate of a $123 million, no tax levy increase, bond issue.  A major emphasis of the bond issue is being placed on a Career & Technical Education Center serving High School students. 

 

“Career and Technical Education gives students a focus for the future,” said Todd Hansen, Executive Director of Student Services at Metropolitan Community College’s Fremont Area Center and current FPS Board of Education Member.  “This fall we have approximately 388 students participating in CTE and dual credit courses at a greatly reduced rate, saving them and their family money while gaining valuable skill sets.” 

 

Last spring, at Hansen’s urging, Fremont Public Schools surveyed students in grades 6 – 11 in regard to their interest in pursuing careers in various technical fields.  Several areas of interest were identified through this survey leading to exploration for future programming. “The next step in the process is to identify opportunities in the community and surrounding areas with local industry to work with Fremont Public Schools in partnership with Metro to create coursework in these identified areas,” stated Scott Jensen, executive director of secondary education.

 

There was a time when schools taught industrial arts or industrial technology designed to teach skills that today would be considered hobby type interests.  CTE courses are geared towards “High Skill, High Wage, High Demand” career opportunities.  They are not designed to limit a student’s future in a particular job but rather as a gateway to a career pathway with growth potential.

 

Fremont currently has programming in the areas of Welding, Diesel, Health Care, Education/Teaching, Information Technologies and Criminal Justice.  “Our current facilities at the high school and Metro’s Fremont Campus limit our ability to expand to include other offerings.  The proposed new CTE Center identified as a prioritized project within the Bond Project List would ensure that our programming is not limited due to facilities,” stated Jensen. 

 

 “Our welding program has been a huge success and has provided us with the road map for developing similar courses of study in a variety of areas.” stated Mark Shepard, superintendent of schools.  “The development of this facility will position our students, their families and our community well into the future.”

 

The District has built into the project list $9.5 million for a stand alone CTE Center with plans for the facility to be housed on the current high school / Clarmar field site.  The design of the building would be to have 3-4 clean labs and 3-4 dirty labs.  The clean labs could facilitate programming such as Health Occupations, Health Tech, Computer Graphic Design, Architecture / Drafting, Computer Technician / Coding, Robotics and Automation.  The dirty labs could house programming such as Welding, Industrial Maintenance Technician, Automotive Tech, Diesel Tech and Construction Tech.   

 

The 1,200 to 1,500 square foot clean labs and the 5,000 square foot dirty labs will be designed and equipped so they can be changed out periodically to meet the ever changing needs and opportunities presented by local industry.  Grand Island, Columbus and Lincoln Public Schools have recently developed similar facilities.  Local companies supported their efforts and had valuable input into the design and specifications needed to create industry relevant spaces.  

 

Columbus leveraged local car dealerships to work directly with the design team, the school district and their community college to provide input into the Automotive Technology lab.  Industry relevant tools, equipment and instruction provide students with the skills they need to pursue a career upon graduation or continue their education in this highly competitive field.  “We welcome the opportunity to be involved in this important venture for Fremont, our community and our students.  Fremont is home for our family and is where my father Sid Dillon started with a small Oldsmobile dealership store in 1976,” stated Sid Dillon Jr. 

 

The CTE Center will be designed, located on the site and built with an eye to the future.  The option of using this facility for attachment to a future new high school will be inherently designed into it.  Location, with the future in mind, will be key for the community at a later date to determine both if and when a new high school would be needed.

 

To date, the District has graduated about 20 students a year that have completed the Welding program.  Many students have gone on to pursue a career utilizing these valuable skills.  Valmont in Valley and Columbus, Rosenbauer Aerials, S2, Timme Welding, Rebellion Fabrication, Smeal Manufacturing and Lozier in Omaha have all employed completers of the program.  “Our company has supported this effort from the beginning,” stated Rob Kreikemeier of Rosenbauer.  “The students come to us prepared to work.  Not only do they have the technical skills which are necessary for the job, they also have acquired the soft skills which aren’t so common in the workforce today,” he concluded.

 

“The CTE Center is a prime example of what can be accomplished when the local school district, community college and industry leadership come together for the betterment of the community.  A skilled workforce with opportunity for advancement in high need areas, through a grow your own process, is exactly what our community desires and needs,” commented Al Sawtelle, Greater Fremont Development Council board chair.

 

“The Health Occupations, EMT and Certified Nurses Assistant programming already in place has benefited our local health and long-term care providers in Fremont.  Having a dedicated space as part of the proposed CTE Center will greatly enhance these opportunities,”  stated Brett Richmond, Methodist Fremont Health CEO and Task Force for Kids campaign co-chair.  “This truly represents a game changer with a long-term impact for our community,” he concluded.

 

Ballots were mailed out this week and are 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.

Fremont Public Schools Bond Issue Update

Elementary School Projects

 

Fremont, Neb. – (Aug. 19, 2021) On September 14 the citizens of Fremont will have an opportunity to decide the fate of a $123 million, no tax levy increase, bond issue.  A major emphasis of the bond issue is being placed on pre-kindergarten through fourth grade elementary schools. The slate of projects includes renovating and updating two of the District’s seven elementary buildings, Milliken Park and Linden Elementaries, razing and rebuilding Washington Elementary and Howard Elementary on their current sites, and razing and rebuilding Clarmar Elementary on a new site in eastern Fremont. 

 

“The 1999 and 2010 bond issues primarily focused on secondary schools and providing space at the elementary levels – this bond issue provides the opportunity for our elementary buildings to play a little catch-up,” stated Mark Shepard superintendent of schools.  

 

In 1999, the community passed a bond issue that built the Middle School, created additional space with the science wing and middle gym at the High School, built Bell Field Elementary school, the first new school since Milliken Park opened in 1978, provided space for full day kindergarten and for the first time in history, providing air conditioning in the elementary classrooms.  

 

In 2010, the community passed a bond issue that moved the fifth graders out of the elementary schools into the newly developed Johnson Crossing Academic Center for grades five and six, which provided space for preschool programs, created a small addition to Clarmar Elementary and razed and rebuilt a large portion of Linden Elementary.  Classroom additions and additional commons space were also added at the High School.

 

“The bond issue the community will vote on through a mail-in ballot, over the next several weeks, provides the opportunity for our community to take a huge step forward and in particular for our pre-kindergarten through fourth grade buildings,” commented Sandi Proskovec, Board of Education President.  “When evaluated by the professionals, many of our buildings built in the 50’s, 60’s and early 70’s fall short based on how well they accommodate student learning with current educational systems and the utilization of technology.”  The traditional building design of double classroom loaded corridors has not been utilized for elementary building construction for many years.  

 

The electrical systems to equip a classroom in the 1950’s through the early 70’s were basically an outlet in the front and rear of the classroom to accommodate a film projector, overhead projector, a fan and a vacuum for cleaning.  The first personal computers began showing up in classrooms in the mid 80’s, and today all 5,000 Fremont Public School students have access to a computer device throughout the day. 

 

Modern school designs have space for students to gather in small and large groups as well as classrooms designed and equipped for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Math) hands-on learning.  Bell Field, the District’s newest elementary school, was constructed in the early 2000’s and has many of the modern school design features built in.  BVH Architects is taking the design features from Bell Field that teachers and administrators have noted work extremely well and is building them into the district’s design for the three new buildings. The footprint and capacity of the new elementaries will be enlarged to accommodate four classrooms for each grade level, allowing for greater efficiencies for staffing, special programming, food service and transportation.

 

The current plan calls for Washington and Howard’s new buildings to be built on their current sites, where play fields currently exist.  Upon completion, the current buildings will be removed and the sites restored for playgrounds and play fields. Linden Elementary will receive additional classrooms allowing for the 1950’s addition to be removed, making Linden’s oldest portion of the building at the same age as Bell Field.  Milliken Park, a 1978 “open space” design, will have separation walls inserted and a new HVAC system to meet current safety, security and indoor air quality standards. 

 

When Bell Field was built there were a handful of schools across the state that utilized ground source geo-thermal wells for their HVAC systems.  Since then many schools have incorporated this as the technology has been further developed and implemented.  Johnson Crossing, the District’s newest building constructed in 2010, incorporates this technology. BVH and Morrissey Engineering will be designing geo-thermal technology and LED lighting into their plans to allow the District to achieve energy efficiency with a simple payback.  The new technology being implemented will replace conventional boiler heat and electric roof top units for cooling and air exchange.  The new elementary buildings will be designed to be close to energy neutral, while adding additional square footage.  This not only helps the district’s operating budget, it does not burden our community’s energy availability.

 

Grant Elementary, which has received attention during the two previous bond issues, is not scheduled to be part of this project. “Grant has been a challenge for many years in that it is located in very close proximity to Howard and has over the past 20 years not housed many students,” Shepard stated. “Our current plan anticipates keeping it open to continue to serve the Grant neighborhood and accommodate student growth and special programs within the community,” Shepard added. “Grant students, parents and families have expressed concerns about the site’s future; they love their small, inviting neighborhood school and want it to continue to serve their families. At this point, there are no plans to do anything different than that,” stated Kevin Eairleywine, Executive Director for Human Resources and Elementary Operations.

 

Ballots will be mailed out on August 24 and are 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.

 

Fremont Public Schools Reporting District Facilities Survey Results

 

Fremont, Neb. – (Feb. 23, 2021) Fremont Public Schools is reporting results from a survey used to gather input to begin to prioritize the district’s needs towards a potential bond issue that would be voted on in 2021.

 

The survey was open from January 7 – 15 and collected results from 1,477 community members and 791 students in grades 5-12. Survey respondents were self-identified as a parent, FPS staff member, business leader or community member. Those that identified as a parent with school-aged children also selected the grade level(s) of their child(ren) for further analysis. 

 

“The District started the process of looking at our facilities more than a year ago,” stated Brad Dahl, associate superintendent.  “The input gained from community members through the survey has provided valuable input into the process and certainly will help shape the scope and size of the bond issue.”  

 

The results of the community’s input have given the district four main conclusions to use as plans are made for the bond issue. 

 

• The community and students generally feel that Fremont Public Schools facilities are in good condition.  

• Knowing there will be a no tax levy increase, 84% of respondents are very or somewhat likely to vote for a bond issue in 2021.

• 84% of respondents will support a bond issue with the following levels of support 

• Respondents are most supportive of projects that address safety and security, technology, energy efficiency, upgrades to air quality and addressing our elementary buildings.

“The survey results are important in identifying the District’s priorities and will be an important piece of data for the citizens committee to utilize,” stated Mark Shepard, superintendent of schools. 

 

For a complete list of all survey questions and responses, please visit http://bit.ly/FPSSurveyReport. 

 

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