K.I.D.S.

KEEP IMPROVING DISTRICT SCHOOLS

What Has Been Determined?

The Citizens Building Committee determined after careful study of enrollment, growth and other issues -- that building additional space was the best option to facilitate the growth taking place in the Gretna school district. The recommendation was made to the District 37 Board of Education, which approved placing the bond election on the Tuesday, Nov. 15 ballot.

District 37 Enrollment Figures

Enrollment in Gretna District 37 has more than doubled since 1992-93, with much of that growth coming in the last five years. A breakdown of disict?fs first-day enrollment numbers from 1992-93 to the 2005-06 school year is as follows:

Total Enrollment Increase (1992-1993 through 2005-2006) +1,128 116.6%

District 37 Valuation History

Projected District Growth

Enrollment is expected to exceed capacity by the 2007-08 school year. Both the current middle school and high school buildings are projected near capacity, while Gretna Elementary and Squire John Thomas Elementary will both exceed capacity.

Birth-Age 5 Growth Trends Upward

The future students of Gretna Public Schools will place added pressure on the district's elementary schools, as the number of kids age 5-under has increased 114.7 percent since 2002.

Housing Starts/Lots Remaining

Housing developments continue to grow in the Gretna school district, with new developments beginning or in the planning stages. Here is a summary of the subdivisions within the district, including housing starts and lots remaining:

Future Demographic Projections

Population numbers within Gretna city limits and the 70-square-mile Gretna Public Schools district will continue upward as construction expands throughout the district. Current and projected population an enrollment numbers are as follows:

*NOTE: The chart below includes Gretna city limits and Gretna Public Schools territory

What Will It Cost?

The breakdown of the cost of the proposed construction, which includes building a third elementary school, updating the middle school and bus barn, remodeling of Gretna Elementary, technology and equipment up­dates and future site acquisition is as follows:

Item .......................................................................................................Cost

New Elementary School .................................................................$ 8,600,000
Middle School renovations/additions ................................................ 7,600,000
Future Site Acquisition...................................................................... 1,500,000
District Technology, Equipment and Infrastructure upgrades ........... 1,150,000
Gretna Elementary renovations..............................................................875,000
Bus Barn expansion/Central Storage addition ...................................... 400,000
Cost of Issuance and Capitalized Interest ..............................................800,000

Total Cost .....................................................................................$20,925,000

How Will This Affect My Taxes?

Based upon a conservative rate of growth in the district's current taxable valuation, the projected bond fund levy would be 8.5 cents per $100 valuation for property owners in the Gretna district. This bond levy should decline in coming years as the district's taxable valuation continues to increase. Interest rates are at historic lows, and refinancing of the bonds available after five years without penalty. The first impact of this bond issue would be seen in the 2007-08 fiscal year.

Where Can I Register To Vote?

You must be a registered voter residing in Gretna School District 37 in order to vote. You can register to vote at Gretna City Hall (204 North McKenna St.) or at the Sarpy County Election Commissioner's office in Papillion. The last day to register by mail, fax or at Gretna City Hall is Friday, Oct. 28. The last day to register in person at the Sarpy County Election Commissioner's office in Papillion is Friday, Nov. 4. Registration forms can also be downloaded on the Sarpy County website at www.sarpy.com.

Where Do I Go To Vote?

The special election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 15. Polls are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voting can be done at the following locations:

Ward Voting Location

For More Information