The O-W Community Action Committee held a question and answer session at the Wells Farm Learning Center before the Homecoming game on Friday, September 27 to give school district residents a chance to ask questions about the upcoming referendum.

Referendum Fact

You asked: “Why did the school build an addition (The Forward Center) and redo the weight room and now has to go to referendum a short time later?”

We have heard this question more than once. The majority of us were taught to save money and not purchase things we may not be able to afford. We have been told this appears to be “poor money management,” but there is so much more to understand when it comes to school funding.

1. The district received a $1.5 million grant from FEMA to build the Forward Center. The remainder of the costs of the Forward Center, the Ag addition, and new kitchen, were paid following a voter approved referendum in 2020.
2. The Fitness Center was paid for largely from donations from athletic fundraisers and community support.
3. As far as the overall school budget, it is based each year on the previous year’s spending. Only a small percentage of funds can be carried forward. If we do not use the funds given to us each year from the state, it will reduce the amount of funding we receive in the future. (O-W Community Action Committee)