BYRAM HILLS BOARD ADOPTS BOND PROPOSAL FOR CLASSROOM SPACE

Vote Date Set for March 30 After six months of intensive study, including one last work session on February 3, the Byram Hills Board took action on February 10, 2004, to propose a bond issue, principally for classroom and core facilities additions, totaling $47MM; the proposal will go to the district's voters on March 30, 2004. "Successful Management of Enrollment Growth" has long been at the top of the board and administration goal list; the district has seen a 73% enrollment increase from 1988 to 2003, with another 13% growth expected within the next ten years. Those enrollment numbers, with

In This Issue..    2/3 & 2/10 Work Sessions: Re Classroom & Core Facilities 1&2 Other Business 2 Coming Attractions 2 Board Action Summary 3

2,712 students now in the district, and 3,055 forecast by 2013, were evident as the primary reason additional facilities are needed.

Another significant factor in the decision is program growth; a summary of enhancements since 1995 -- all in pursuit of the District's mission to "provide students with the means, the knowledge and the opportunity to excel..." was also recently reviewed by the board. Examples of program growth include the increase in reading services for K-2 students at Coman Hill, more support for both struggling students and advanced learners in grades 3-5 at Wampus, 6-8 grade level teams at H.C. Crittenden, and seven new advanced placement courses at Byram Hills High School.

In adopting the $47MM proposition, the board plans to undertake about $42MM of work on classroom and core space in all four schools, with another $5MM of unrelated capital project work, principally for roofing replacement at three of the four schools. The largest parts of the various cost estimates are for work at the two secondary schools, where enrollment growth is most pronounced.