As the Farmington School District continues to experience steady growth, school board members have been studying potential funding to build a new academic campus on the land located on Hwy 170 that the district purchased in 2022. With construction costs climbing steadily and the district growing at a record rate, the board approved a proposed millage increase to fund the construction of a new junior high building.
"With our district's continued growth and the rising costs of facility construction, this proposal represents a wise and forward-thinking move by the board to address both current and future needs. Looking around Northwest Arkansas at millage rates, we are on the low end. Facility construction has become so expensive it’s almost putting the cost on the districts across our state. Construction costs will not recede in the future, and this project will help our community and schools sustain our growth. ” Superintendent Jon Laffoon stated.
The project would address capacity concerns, enhance educational opportunities, and re-align grade configurations to optimize student learning environments. The proposed ballot question is scheduled for the election on May 13th, 2025.
The district last passed a millage increase of 3.55 in 2006, which brought the total millage to 43.85. The district experienced rollbacks from 42.60 in 2017 due to overall assessment growth to the current millage rate 40.10, including another rollback this year. If the millage increase is successful, the current millage of 40.10 would increase to 44.10. The district has applied for Academic Partnership funds from the state and anticipates hearing a decision in May. Below are key discussion points for the community and school board to consider:
Why is the Millage Increase Needed?
Enrollment Growth:
Over the past six years, the district has grown by over 400 students, stretching the capacity of current facilities.
A new junior high building will accommodate growth and prevent overcrowding by allowing the district to re-align grade levels to create space.
A 2021-22 District Demographic Study shows the district will surpass 3500 students by the end of 2028-2029.
Enhancing Educational Facilities:
The new junior high will include grades 8-9 in state-of-the-art classrooms, science labs, fine arts spaces, a gym, and a cafeteria to support academic and extracurricular programs.
The building will also house a storm shelter for students and community use during non-school hours.
Re-aligning elementary schools to serve grades K-2 and converting the current middle school into an intermediate school for grades 3-4 will provide space at k-4 campuses. Moving grades 5-7 to the current junior high will provide space release and a more supportive learning environment.
Proactive Planning and Investment:
Previous projects have been completed without raising taxes, demonstrating the district’s commitment to fiscal responsibility:
2014-2017: New high school and athletic facilities built to serve the community and accommodate growth.
2021-2022: 200 new HVAC units and LED lighting upgrades across the district, primarily funded through ESSER money.
2022-2023: New classroom wings were added at both elementary schools to expand capacity, funded through building funds.
2023-2024: The junior high school was upgraded, and a new building was completed, which included science labs, fine arts spaces, and additional classrooms.
2025: A new roof will be installed at Williams Elementary to ensure long-term facility maintenance.
2026: Additional roof replacements have been applied for and will be added if approved by the Arkansas Facilities Division
Addressing Facility Needs:
HVAC upgrades in the Ledbetter gym and flooring improvements at two campuses demonstrate the district’s ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance current facilities.
New flooring and painting are planned for all campuses over the next four years.
Safety locks across the district were added to create a safer classroom environment for staff and students.
What’s Next?
The proposed millage increase will allow the district to:
Build a new junior high facility to meet the needs of a growing student body.
Improve alignment of schools to serve students better:
K-2 students will remain in elementary schools.
Grades 3-4 will be moving to the current middle school.
Grades 5-7 will transition to the current junior high school.
Grades 8-9 will move to the new junior high building.
The Farmington School District has a strong track record of investing in facilities and programs without raising taxes and utilizing state partnership funds to maximize investments. This millage request represents a thoughtful and necessary step to ensure the future success of our students as we grow.
Community Input
The school board and district will invite the community to participate in discussions about the millage proposal at future meetings. Your input is essential as we work together to build a bright future for our district.
Stay tuned for a survey and opportunities to learn more about this proposed project.