In previous elections, district residents voted on a proposal to fund the construction of a new middle school. The current proposal is a hybrid plan that would be completed in two phases. It would include both new additions at the FMS campus and improvements to existing facilities.

The original and oldest portions of the building were built in 1966.

Comprehensive assessments by architects and engineers have identified more than $40 million in deficiencies and necessary improvements. Some of these issues include:

• The lack of a secure entrance.

• Persistent water infiltration due to poor drainage and construction.

• The building envelope lacks secondary drainage and flashing behind the exterior cladding, which allows water to leak into the walls.

• The windows in the original middle school are single-pane, have significant water and air leaks, and are not energy efficient.

• The original building is not ADA compliant and presents a variety of accessibility challenges.

• Classrooms are about 150 square feet smaller than current educational standards.

Students would remain in the current middle school during construction to avoid displacement or interruptions to learning.

Yes. When the new academic wing is completed in fall 2028, the two floors on the east side of the existing middle school will be demolished. This portion of the school presents the most water infiltration issues and is expensive to maintain.

An enhanced middle school is more than just a building—it’s a strategic investment in our community's future.

By enhancing our educational infrastructure, we can drive significant positive change in three key areas: population growth, property values, and local economic development.

A CATALYST FOR POPULATION GROWTH

A high-quality school district is a powerful magnet for new residents. In an era when families are increasingly mobile, the quality of local schools is often the primary factor in their decisions.

• Attracting new families: A modern middle school will signal a commitment to education, making Fairfield more attractive to young professionals and families with children looking to settle down. This is particularly important for a town of our size, as attracting new residents is key to sustained community vitality.

• Retaining current residents: For families already in Fairfield, a new school helps combat "brain drain." It provides a compelling reason for them to stay and raise their children here rather than seeking out a community with a more modern educational environment.

BOOSTING PROPERTY VALUES

There is a clear and direct link between school quality and the value of local real estate. Investing in a new school would provide a tangible return on investment for all homeowners in Fairfield.

• Increased demand and home values: Research consistently shows that homes in high-performing school districts have higher property values. A new middle school, symbolizing educational excellence, would increase housing demand in Fairfield, leading to higher home values and faster sales.

• Greater tax revenue: Higher property values result in increased property tax revenue. This creates a positive feedback loop. More revenue for the city can be reinvested into other community services and public projects, improving the overall quality of life for everyone.

A DRIVER FOR DEVELOPMENT

Education is the foundation of a strong local economy. A new middle school directly contributes to this strength by supporting workforce development and business growth.

• A stronger workforce: By providing a state-of-the-art learning environment, we can better equip our students with the skills and knowledge needed for future employment. A new school can offer enhanced career and technical education (CTE) programs tailored to the needs of local industries, ensuring Fairfield businesses have a strong, homegrown talent pipeline.

• Attracting new businesses: Companies looking to relocate or expand are keenly aware of a community's educational infrastructure. A new middle school signals that Fairfield values its future workforce and is a desirable location for business.

No, all funds would need to go toward the middle school project. There may be design modifications based on community feedback, but the funds would all go toward the middle school project.

By acting now, we can address our needs and allow our schools to better serve future generations of students. Delaying the proposed bond referendum projects will lead to higher costs later due to inflation, rising material and labor costs, and other factors.