Francis Howell School District Superintendent Renee Schuster introduced a bond proposed by the district at Howell-A-Palooza on Sept. 10.
“The strategic plan was crafted by a group of citizens between three and four hundred,” Schuster said. “Then a facility committee was formed, followed by a task force.”

On Tuesday Nov. 4, the bond known as “Proposition B” will be formally voted on. It requests that the FHSD be allowed to borrow the amount of $78,500,000 for the purpose of constructing, renovating, and improving various parts of the district, including: Francis Howell High School, Daniel Boone Elementary, Francis Howell North, and other building projects.
“At North the science rooms are what needs attention and it’s really needed at Howell,” Assistant Principal Nancy Wade said. “It’s getting to the point that maintenance costs are so high they may as well have a new facility.”

If the bond isn’t passed, the district’s budget is to be used only for matters like student security. The $30 million that the district currently has in the bank must also cover other costs.
“We need four-fifths or 57.1 percent to say yes to ‘Building your Children’s Future,’” Schuster said.
If the ballot is passed, the first order of business will be to decide on which bank and construction companies to involve. The bonds given to the district will need to be paid off within 20 years; however, the district will not increase the tax levy of 67 cents.

Teachers and administrators are not the only ones who have taken notice that the schools in the district require more upkeep.
“It would be nice to see the school cleaner and more up to date,” senior Rachal Doeren said. “Things could be a little safer.”

The district feels that “Proposition B” is just what it needs.
“Our investors have already put a lot into these buildings and anyone who owns a building or home knows you must upkeep your investment,” Schuster said. “Your investment [in Proposition B] allows all students to have a similar building experience.”