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A FRESH START

On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, residents of the Fairfield Community School District will consider approving a $39.5 million general obligation bond to fund the construction of a new middle school.

 

Along with funds provided by general obligation bonds, FCSD would borrow against future revenue it receives from the statewide one-cent sales tax fund—known as Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE)—to help pay for the proposed project. Leveraging SAVE revenue that FCSD receives from the state will lessen the burden for local property taxpayers.​​

Photo of three high school students and a staff member seated around a table in a classroom

The total project cap for a new middle school is $49 million. Leveraging SAVE revenue allows us to maintain a cost buffer in case of unforeseen expenses.​ Using SAVE funds also would reduce the costs on local property taxpayers.

COMMUNITY MEETINGS

Fairfield CSD representatives will be available at community events and host public forums to engage with district residents about the bond referendum.​​

Farmers Market

TBD

Fairfield MS

7:00 PM

Libertyville

6:30 PM

Maharishi

TBD

ACT

6:00 PM

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ADDRESSING OUR NEEDS

The Fairfield Community School District is an integral part of the community. Our schools are safe and welcoming places where all students can thrive.

 

However, the students, teachers, and staff at Fairfield Middle School face many facility challenges on a daily basis due to the school's age and deteriorating conditions.

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The middle school was constructed in 1966. A comprehensive building assessment by architects and engineers led district leaders to determine that continuing to invest limited financial resources into the school is not a practical or cost-effective solution. Architects estimate that the cost of a full-scale renovation at Fairfield Middle School would require more than $40 million.


The extensive list of issues includes:

  • The building lacks a secure entrance for student safety and security, and it would be difficult to add one without significant reconfiguration.

  • The building was constructed too low on the site, leading to perpetual water infiltration due to poor drainage. This problem cannot be effectively remedied.

  • The building's envelope lacks secondary drainage and flashing behind the exterior cladding, meaning some walls leak water into the building.

  • ​The windows in the original middle school are single-pane glass and have significant water and air leaks.

  • The original building does not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and would be very costly to modify.

  • Classroom sizes are approximately 150 square feet below modern education standards. The building's wings are too narrow to accommodate an increase to classroom sizes without the rooms becoming long and narrow.

Three photos showing damage and needed repairs at Fairfield Middle School. Photos include water stains on the exterior, damaged flooring and walls, and a water stain on a dropped ceiling tile.
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CONCEPTUAL PLAN

If the $39.5 million bond referendum is approved by at least 60% of voters on Tuesday, November 4, the Fairfield Community School District will use these funds to construct a new middle school for students in grades 5-8.

 

We believe that building a new middle school is the best course of action because it will:

  • Allow FCSD to strengthen our facilities for future generations of students in grades 5-8.

  • Provide more resources and programming options for students.

  • Reduce annual maintenance costs old the old building.

  • Make the district more appealing to new families and potential residents.

  • Allow the district to accommodate growing enrollment and operate at a positive rate for open enrollment.

  • Help retain current staff and attract new hires.

  • Enhance the community as a whole and help create a vibrant economic boost.

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→ SEE THE FLOOR PLAN

Benefits of a New Building: Long-term financial savings; Enhanced educational evironment; attract and retain new families and teachers; state-of-the-art safety and security features
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The new two-story facility would feature approximately 108,000 square feet of space that includes:

 

  • A classroom wing for 5th and 6th grade, and a wing for 7th and 8th grade

  • Band and choir space of more than 5,100 square feet

  • An art room with approximately 1,600 square feet

  • More than 4,300 square feet of space for special education

  • A media center with nearly 4,000 square feet for a library, makers space, small group gatherings, and storage

  • A commons with a flexible cafeteria area spanning more than 7,800 square feet

  • Three dedicated science classrooms

  • A specialized career and technical education (CTE) classroom

  • A gymnasium with seating for 400, and a multipurpose room able to accommodate two wrestling mats

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→ SEE THE PROJECT SUMMARY

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A facility assessment of Fairfield Middle School by general contractor Carl A. Nelson & Co., estimated that the cost of remodeling the school would eclipse $40 million. FCSD's proposal is to construct an entirely new middle school for $49 million.

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With an approved bond referendum on November 4, FCSD could resolve the ongoing facility issues at the middle school and position the district to better educate future generations of Trojans. Delaying this project will lead to higher costs later due to inflation, rising material and labor costs, and increasing interest rates, among other potential factors.

CONTACT US!

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