When state funding does not keep pace with inflation, schools struggle to cover the cost of staff salaries, building maintenance, and providing educational resources for our students.
The district administration and Board of Education are considering a referendum to support capital improvements that are too large to address within the current budget of the district. Developing a plan has been a primary focus since June 2023.
HUHS Referendum History
Since 2003, the Hartford Union High School District has sought only one referendum. In 2022, the District sought a capital referendum that sought community approval for $12 million to renovate the football, softball, baseball, tennis, soccer and track facilities. A multipurpose field for physical education classes would have been a part of the referendum, as well. This referendum was not approved by the community.
HUHS Facilities Priorities
The District partnered with Performance Services Incorporated to conduct a Facilities Study and develop a Capital Improvements Plan prioritized facilities projects based on the following categories:
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Infrastructure
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Learning/Education
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Outdoor Facilities
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Long-Term Master Plan
Community Involvement: Citizens Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC)
As a result of the failed referendum attempt and ongoing facilities needs, the HUHS Board of Education established a Citizens Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC) in 2023. This group of citizens is committed to identifying and representing the communities’ facilities priorities for the advancement of Hartford Union High School and its students.
The role of the CFAC:
A long-range facility plan will efficiently and effectively address safety, security, learning environments, and infrastructure so that Hartford Union High School provides:
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well-maintained and safe buildings and grounds,
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with modern classrooms and
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appropriate spaces to support a variety of relevant learning opportunities
for current and future generations of students, staff, and the communities served by the HUHS District.
Summary of CFAC activities completed since June 2023
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CIP Review
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School Finance Discussion
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CFAC Prioritization of Facilities Projects
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Short-Term Capital: Items that the school would pay for out of the annual budget
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Referendum: Large solutions that exceed what the current annual budget could carry
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Long-Term Master Plan: Items that could be considered in the future, but not likely to be incorporated in either Short Term Capital or a Referendum
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Exploration of Facilities Scenarios
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Meeting with the Board of Education
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Guiding a community-wide survey
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