The Hamilton School District is in the process of developing long-term financial and facility plans to address two primary challenges: how to secure additional funding and how to address space concerns inside some of our schools. Ultimately, any plans must reflect the priorities of our community.
A community survey was conducted in late 2022 to inform residents and assess community support for a possible referendum. Here is the letter sent to families and staff regarding survey results and next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
| Is the district proposing a referendum? | Currently no. While survey respondents expressed overwhelming satisfaction with the Hamilton School District, many are hesitant to support a referendum at this time. Survey results show that Hamilton staff and families are aware of the District’s needs and would support a referendum. However, other external community members may not have a full understanding of enrollment growth and financial uncertainty due to a lack of state funding. We respect those with concerns and would like the opportunity to answer their questions. Therefore, the School Board has decided not to place a referendum question on the April 2023 ballot. We will continue to monitor capacity and funding concerns and look for ways to further inform community members. |
| How is the community growth impacting district enrollment? | New subdivision growth is expected to continue, increasing enrollment in the Hamilton School District. District enrollment increased by 111 students this year, compared to the 2021-22 school year. The following chart shows the District’s actual and projected enrollment growth. |
| What is the Community Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC)? | The Community Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC) is a group of approximately 50 individuals: staff, parents and community members from throughout the District. The Committee reconvened in November of 2022 to discuss enrollment trends, current space concerns, finances and community survey results. On January 9, 2023 committee members presented their recommendation to the School Board. They recommend educating the community on priorities and needs of the District then survey the community again to determine level of support. Read CFAC report here. |
| What is the operational budget? | Operational costs include all district expenses such as salaries and benefits, transportation, supplies, textbooks, software, equipment, utilities, maintenance, insurances, etc. |
| Why is the district asking if the community would support an increase in school funding to cover operational costs? | Along with building projects, the District asked for community feedback regarding the potential of increasing funding for the operational budget. The District funding is restricted by “revenue limits” that are determined by the state. The state’s decision to freeze funding for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school year, along with increasing inflation, has created funding challenges for the District. |
| Where can I find more information? | Community members can expect frequent updates to this page. |
| How can I find out more about what the CFAC discusses? | The Hamilton School District created short informational videos in early 2022 (links below) to provide more information and explain factors to consider such as mill rates, tax implications and financial projections. |
Informational Videos
Community Growth
The communities of the District are growing with more subdivisions than expected (Feb. 2022)
Projecting Enrollment
The process used to project enrollment in a growing community (Feb. 2022)
Other School Facilities Needs
Other district facilities needs besides classroom space(Feb. 2022)
Impact of Revenue Caps on the District Budget
How revenue caps locked in inequities among school districts (March 2022)
Recent Impacts On District Budget
More recent developments in school funding (March 2022)
Why Hamilton’s Mill Rate Dropped After the 2018 Referendum
Factors that determine school tax rates and why the District’s mill rate dropped (March 2022)
Referendums in the Hamilton School District
The process of going to referendum and past results (March 2022)
Capital vs. Operational Referendums
Both types of referendums and how they could be used in the District (April 2022)
Costs of Projects the CFAC Considered
Financial implications of addressing facilities concerns (April 2022)
Estimated Tax Impact on District Property Owners
Estimated tax impact of nine projects that were considered (May 2022)