Beloit school referendum asking for $70 million
BELOIT — The Beloit School District on April 3 will ask voters for $70 million to build a new intermediate school, renovate seven existing schools to create three other intermediate schools and build a new pool at the high school.
The district says the plan addresses the challenge of maintaining aging facilities, eliminates crowding, saves the district $2.3 million annually, addresses current and future educational needs of students and lessens student transitions between schools.
The referendum would add about $68 a year to the property taxes of an average Beloit home valued at $75,000.
The referendum seeks approval of general obligation bonds not to exceed $70 million for a plan that includes:
-- Renovating and adding on to six grade schools to include pre-kindergarten.
-- Creating four intermediate schools, including one new school on the southeast side of town, for grades 4 to 8. Grades 4 to 6 would be separate from grades 7 and 8 within the schools.
-- Constructing a new pool at Beloit Memorial High School, relocating the fitness center to the current pool and building eight new tennis courts.
-- Closing and possibly selling five buildings in addition to another former elementary school not in use.
The new and renovated buildings likely would be ready for school in fall 2014.
Click here for more details on the referendum.
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By GAZETTE STAFF 10/10/12
Apr 7, 2012 at 7:24 a.m.
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juliew - I've been in several of the schools in Beloit and you are absolutely correct. These expenses would be MORE expensive in the future, so taking care of it now is essential and prudent. I also think a little more could have gone to the library.
Apr 7, 2012 at 7:19 a.m.
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AlbertFish - I was thinking the exact same thing, talk about Deja Vu. I'm guessing it was in a library ......
Mar 22, 2012 at 3:07 p.m.
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Beloit is pretty school friendly. I would not be surprised if it passes.
Mar 22, 2012 at 11:25 a.m.
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"The referendum would add about $68 a year to the property taxes of an average Beloit home valued at $75,000 for your child?."
No, your child's education isnt worth the $150+ per year on my tax bill.
It would be nice to let everyone know that, 2 of those schools were supposed to close last year, and we are closing them again.
Remember, that $68 is tacked on to what we already pay.
Mar 22, 2012 at 10:49 a.m.
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You spend your money how you want to, I'll decide where to spend mine, thank you.
Mar 22, 2012 at 9:07 a.m.
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"The referendum would add about $68 a year to the property taxes of an average Beloit home valued at $75,000." WHAT! They want me to pay $68.00 a year more? $68.00? Are you kidding me? My child's education is not worth $68.00 a year more. After all, I've got to buy the newest iPad for $600.00, the new iPhone for $300.00, and pay the cable bill of $100.00 + a month. Oh, and don't forget $4.00 a gallon gas to drive 1 mile to buy beer and lottery tickets.
Mar 21, 2012 at 8:52 p.m.
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If you have been in some of the schools in Beloit you would understand that it is a pay now or pay later situation.
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