Now that voters have approved the $123 million, no tax levy increase bond issue, the work is just beginning for Fremont Public Schools officials.
The major emphasis of identified priorities of the citizens’ committee 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 Fremont High, safety and security updates and a career technical education facility on the FHS campus.
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,” FPS Associate Superintendent Brad Dahl said.
FPS Superintendent of Schools Mark Shepard said the work in developing plans, schedules and solidifying the team for each of the projects has started.
“Within the next several weeks we will outline and publicly share the projected timeline for each of the projects,” Shepard said. “The district plans to continue to use our website to share periodic updates as the projects progress.”
Parallel to the work the professional team is involved with will be a process of working with local industry, Metropolitan Community College and Midland University to develop the programming for the CTE Center.
“Most people believe that dual credit and CTE programming is only an emphasis at the high school,” said Kate Heineman, executive director for teaching and learning. “The reality is that to be successful, the effort needs to begin as early as fourth grade and be incorporated throughout the curriculum.”
Scott Jensen, executive director of secondary education, said students need to be exposed to a variety of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) type of activities so when they get to high school they have an idea of what these unique opportunities present to them.
Welding, health occupations, diesel tech, information tech, criminal justice and education are programs the district currently offers. With additional study needed to gauge interest by local industry, areas such as automotive tech, industrial maintenance, construction, graphic design and automation are currently being considered.
“The district will have the space and capacity to add these valuable programs to the offerings currently available. These programs provide students with opportunities in ‘high wage, high demand and high skill’ career paths, giving them a jumpstart on their future at a greatly reduced cost,” said Todd Hansen, executive director of student services at Metropolitan Community College — Fremont Area Center & Applied Technology Center.
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