by Brian Friddle

On Nov. 4, residents in the Stockbridge Community School District will have the opportunity to vote on a
proposed bond. This is a no-mil increase bond—your annual tax rate will not go up if this bond proposal
passes.
The goal of this bond is to address a variety of needs across the district. Some require immediate
attention, while others can be addressed over the next few years. This bond is structured to support
improvements over time, ensuring the district remains a good steward of the resources entrusted to it.
To manage costs and prioritize projects effectively, this single bond proposal will be divided into three
series across five years:
● Series 1 (2026) addresses immediate needs
● Series 2 (2027-2028) focuses on continued improvements
● Series 3 (2029-2030) represents the final phase.
This phased approach allows the district to address immediate needs first while planning responsibly for
long-term improvements. Below are highlights for each of these phases.
SERIES 1 (2026): Immediate Needs
Facility Repairs and Upgrades: Boiler replacements at Heritage School; roof replacements at the
elementary schools; upgrades at Smith Elementary, especially the original 1960s areas, including kitchen
and cafeteria improvements; multiple plumbing issues at the Jr/Sr High School.
Infrastructure Enhancements: Additional parking throughout the district. Construction of an Agricultural
Barn to support larger animal projects for student programs. (This barn will also be shared with the CTE
Program and used for district storage.)
Technology and Transportation: Begin a 6-8 year cycle of technology and bus replacements. Maintain a
4-year device warranty cycle by replacing approximately 20% of student devices annually. This ensures
equipment use extends through 2036 and beyond.
Athletic Facility Improvements: Initial upgrades, additional work potentially continuing into Series 2.
SERIES 2 (2027–2028): Continued Improvements
Further upgrades to Smith Elementary: Includes areas not completed in Series 1.
Roof replacement for the older sections of the high school.
Ongoing technology and bus replacement cycles. Evaluation and possible updates to technology
infrastructure, including switches, routers, wiring, and other building equipment. (We will evaluate
whether we can delay this to Series 3 if possible.)
SERIES 3 (2029–2030): Final Phase
Parking lot replacements: Current lots have an estimated 3-5 years of usable life. Replacements will
maximize the value of existing infrastructure.
Final technology and bus replacements: With purchases expected in or after 2030 to ensure continued
benefits into the next decade.

This bond will not increase your current annual tax rate. It simply extends the existing rate over the life
of the bond, allowing the district to make necessary improvements without additional annual tax burden
to the community.
Thank you for your continued support of the Stockbridge Community School District.
We appreciate your consideration as we work to ensure our schools remain safe, modern, and effective
places for learning. Please remember to vote on Nov. 4, 2025. This is a no-mil increase bond—your
annual tax rate will not go up if this bond proposal passes.