Reminder to VOTE on Tuesday, April 13th

Please remember to go and vote tomorrow on the school millage.   For more information, you can see http://www.bentonville.k12.ar.us/web/leadership/millage.asp

Here are a few questions and answers to help you make your decision:
Q The economy is in tough shape. Many families are struggling to pay bills. Why do we need a millage increase now?

A The need is great. We have more students at the K-4 level than we have seats available in grades 5-6; and we have more students in 5-6 than we have seats for in grades 7-8. Five buildings are already at or above capacity and our student enrollment figures continue to grow. If we do not address capacity issues now, our students will be forced to learn in overcrowded conditions.


Q What will the millage cost me?
A The monthly impact on a $100,000 home would be $6.

Q What is the growth record of Bentonville Public Schools?

A As one of the fastest growing school districts in the state, enrollment has nearly doubled in the past nine years, with more than 13,050 students currently attending Bentonville Public Schools. The District added 500+ students in each of the last two years. Online pre-enrollment for 2010/11 Kindergarten broke the District’s all time record with 880 students, a 19% increase over the 740 students enrolled online last year at this time.


The District currently has more students at the K-4 level than we have seats available in 5-6, and we have more students in 5-6 than we have seats for in 7-8.

Q What does the millage include?

A This millage funds a new K-4/5-6 school and a new 7-8 school. By housing K-4 and 5-6 under one roof, the District saves more than $6,000,000 in construction cost.


Other district-wide improvements include:
• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system upgrades to all existing schools to improve the indoor air quality in the learning environment for students and teachers
• Exterior and interior repairs to Old High Middle School
• Improvements to Coleman Recreation Center
• Upgrades to theaters at Lincoln Junior High and Washington Junior High Schools
• PE room and classroom additions at Sugar Creek and Thomas Jefferson Elementary Schools
• Site improvements for the 235 acres within the Bentonville Growth Corridor west and northwest of Central Park Elementary
• Generates $420,000 annually in operational revenue.

However you feel about the issue, please go and vote.  EVERY vote counts.  Polls open from 7:30am - 7:30pm.  If you do not know your polling location, call the Benton County Clerk’s Office at 479-271-1013