Dr. Jeremy Burright, Fairfax R-3 Superintendent, gave an informative presentation on the proposed levy increase for the Fairfax School District during the ACDC Fairfax Business Lunch.
ACDC Director Monica Bailey highlighted a couple of ACDC projects at the ACDC Fairfax Business Lunch.
Bob Alldredge, Fairfax Improvement Foundation (FIF) member and Playground Project Coordinator, provided details on the history and status of the playground project at the Fairfax City Park at the ACDC Fairfax Business Lunch.
Atchison County Development Corporation (ACDC) hosted its final business lunch for 2018 in Fairfax on March 21, 2018. Daybreak Café catered an excellent lunch for more than 30 local citizens at the Fire Department’s Community Room. Bob Alldredge, ACDC Treasurer, welcomed all, and Roger Martin, ACDC Board member, offered prayer of thanks to begin the meeting.
Alldredge, Fairfax Improvement Foundation (FIF) member and Playground Project Coordinator, provided details on the history and status of the playground project at the Fairfax City Park. He highlighted interactions with Enel staff at last spring’s ACDC community lunch in Fairfax, where a representative expressed interest in contributing to our local communities, and with Rock Creek/Enel staff at last fall’s ACDC’s annual meeting, where he was able to follow up on the project. After several conversations with Enel staff during the past year, Alldredge was pleased to report that Enel will be funding the entire cost of the playground equipment (nearly $64,000). FIF continues to raise funds for the associated costs of tree removal, grading and leveling the ground, installing the base and ground cover, and relocating the merry-go-round. To date, FIF has received funds from ACDC, Morgan Trust, Fairfax Kiwanis, Fairfax Optimists, Xi Lambda Beta Sigma Phi, the Missouri Masonic Children’s Foundation and many others, with an additional $18,000 being sought. Recycled tire material will be utilized in the ground cover beneath the equipment, and upon completion of the project a Department of Natural Resources grant will be pursued. If awarded, FIF could receive up to $30,000 that could then be used for other community projects.
Dr. Jeremy Burright, Fairfax R-3 Superintendent, gave an informative presentation on the proposed levy increase for the Fairfax School District. Burright emphasized the strong sense of community in Fairfax and the incredible support provided to the school district. He presented a fact sheet showing the excellent performance of the district (and other districts in Atchison County) in annual performance report scores, ACT scores and graduation rates. The local tax revenue for Fairfax is currently $772,567 compared to Rock Port at $2,297,337 and Tarkio at $1,643,083. Burright gave an overview of the budgeting process for the district, mentioning that for many years priority has rightfully gone to curriculum and student needs, while an area called deferred maintenance goes unfunded. This difficult decision making has resulted in some physical problems that need to be addressed in order for the school facilities to remain viable. There have been long term water leakage problems resulting in significant repair needs in the gym. The cafeteria is in need of updating due to 60 years of wear and tear, windows and science classrooms need to be updated for safety and efficiency, the transportation fleet is in need of constant repair, and the exterior of the building needs tuck-pointing and sealing. Additionally the district seeks to better compensate teachers and support personnel. Out of this sense of need and stewardship, the Board of Education has approved a Proposition Commitment for the April 3, 2018 ballot. The measure would increase the tax levy from 4.0348 to 4.7848 per $100 of assessed valuation. When combined with the estimated revenue from new wind farm taxes this would generate an estimated additional $200,000 for the 2018-2019 budget. This increase would allow coverage of this year’s budget deficit plus the repairs and compensation issues discussed.
Finally, ACDC Director Monica Bailey highlighted a couple of ACDC projects, including junior job shadowing day on Wednesday, March 28. She also mentioned the Business Improvement Grant as ACDC’s tangible tool to help existing businesses grow and succeed. Applications are being accepted now for this year’s grant, and funds remain in the program. Bailey encouraged attendees to utilize ACDC assistance and asked the group to send individuals to ACDC when they are considering starting or growing a business.
