Friends of Hononegah Launch Campaign to Support Passing Nov. 8 Referendum

Friends of Hononegah Community High School (FHCHS) have launched a campaign to encourage voters to approve a referendum on the Nov. 8 ballot that would authorize a $44 million investment in the high school. The group, comprised of local citizens, is hoping to educate and inform voters on the value of the improvements to the school and the impact it will have on the community. “Like so many others, we’re very passionate about Hononegah and the critical role it plays in our community,” said Friends Chair, Scott Anderson. “The District is an asset that attracts businesses and families to our community; and continued investment is vital if we’re going to sustain the excellence for which Hononegah has long been known.” The Board of Education passed a budget at its Sept. 21 meeting that outlines the projects. If the referendum is approved, the District will use the funding to complete a number of facility improvements including:

Constructing a new bricks and mortar field house to replace the inflatable dome that collapsed in December 2015 – $15.5 million,

Upgrading and enhancing classroom space – $7 million, 

Expanding the cafeteria and upgrading the culinary arts facility – $3.5 million, 

Renovating the Performing Arts Center – $600,000,

Constructing a swimming pool – $8 million,

Upgrading and improving the softball field and Kelsey Stadium – $3.65 million,

Resurfacing and updating the tennis courts – $700,000,

Contingency – $5.75 million.

In this plan, every student will feel the improvements to the facility. The project priorities were developed from six community forums held in August and September with input from the School Board, Administration, students, teachers and the community at large. Should the referendum pass, the community will continue to have opportunities to help shape the new facilities and enhance the future of the school district. Hononegah Community High School was established at its present location in 1920 and some of the original facility is still in use today, more than 95 years after the school first opened. Multiple additions have been made over the years, including additional classroom space, new gyms, a library and performing arts center. The school has more than 400,000 square feet and more than $63 million in assets. “Many of the instructional areas and facilities are outdated and inflexible,” said Anderson. “We need to ensure we’re maintaining a true 21^st century learning environment that supports students, teachers and the community.” The referendum is part of the District’s Educational Master Facility Planning process, which is focused on facilities, infrastructure, programs and technology, all of which are included in the projects that will be funded by passing the $44 million referendum.

The High School is hosting a series of Community Q & A Forums to present information and answer questions about the referendum. Forums will be held in the Hononegah Community High School library on both Wednesday, Oct. 26 and Wednesday, Nov. 2, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

About FHCHS

Friends of Hononegah Community High School was formed to support the passage of the Nov. 8 referendum to issue $44 million in bonds for new construction and upgrades at Hononegah Community High School. Campaign Chair is Scott Anderson. ([email protected]) and Campaign Treasurer is Scott Kitzman ([email protected]).  Reach the campaign on the web at www.FriendsofHononegah.org and on Facebook at Friends of Hononegah Community High School.