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Health & Fitness

The Ferndale Millage Proposal – Creating a Brighter Future for Ferndale Schools

Vote YES on February 28th for Strong Schools!

I strongly advocate for a YES vote on this ballot, because it assures:

- A Commitment to our Schools

Over the years, Ferndale citizens have demonstrated an abiding financial commitment to the quality of the Ferndale schools.  Why….because all community members know that the most important thing they can do for their children’s future and quality of life is to provide them with a quality education.  That means a school system that provides  academic rigor, support of the arts and sciences, state-of–the-art educational technology to mirror the new tools used in business and society, specialized services like alternative education, pre-school,  profession-based academies, career planning and employment training services.

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This defines the Ferndale Public School system…..a full service educational environment that provides cultural diversity and academic excellence – because we make a commitment to support this ideal.

-A Commitment to our Community

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Since 1995, when the first bond was approved, our community has supported the Board of Education’s careful deliberations and community-based assessments of what our critical needs were for the district’s school infrastructure.  We started with the most important issues – foundational infrastructure, window replacements, repairs and upgrades.  In 2004, we reaffirmed our commitment by passing a successive school bond by 72%. The second set of priorities was addressed –exterior site improvements, i.e., drives, parking lots, the stadium; the interior spaces, like lockers and classrooms, as well as a variety of mechanical and electrical upgrades.  Now, in 2011, we have a chance to complete the vision of our fellow citizens on that committee back in 1995 – create a Ferndale School System for the modern age and pave the way for future generations of district children and adults. 

-A Commitment to our Children

As an involved parent with 2 exceptional students in the Ferndale school system, approving the bond proposal means a chance to install a state-of-the-art technology infrastructure that will lay the groundwork for upgrades and educational / technological innovations, remove 100% of the asbestos from FHS to address safety and health issues, and enhance food services facilities. We will make major improvements to the FMS and FHS – energy efficient heating and lighting, mechanical and electrical systems repairs and upgrades, improvements to the auditorium and the pool’s plumbing systems.  Things that will make the educational experience for our kids one they can safely enjoy and fondly remember with their kids.

All this without ever raising the millage rate - because we make a commitment to serve our children.

-A Commitment to our Culture                                                                                                                                      A well run, well maintained, quality educational system gives Ferndale a competitive advantage in the evolving regional marketplace of private schools and schools-of-choice.  It also is clearly and closely linked to improved test scores, property values, and greater community economic and social prosperity.  Whether you have kids or not, the schools are important as a civic center for athletic activities, community engagements and social functions, for all ages and interests.  The Ferndale school system’s diverse youth community comes together at school and is provided a safe environment to learn the lifelong lessons of nurturing relationships, personal independence, and a sense of engagement with a broader community. The decisions we make now can help support and sustain this vibrant, creative, and engaged community of kids by providing them with safe and modern school facilities.

-A Commitment to our Future

We can and should make a commitment to serve and support our local public school district, because it is for the students. At this critical juncture, we must put aside our debates over Board or Administrative decisions, any old baggage about the past, and cast our vote for the kids. This bond proposal is not political. It is a commitment that shows the people of our community that we support them. Regardless of your point of view on the district leadership, this millage proposal is about providing the students of today and tomorrow a healthy, dependable and safe environment. You can make all this possible by casting a YES vote on February 28th. Join us in reflecting a long-standing community resolution to sustaining the existing millage rate and supporting our schools and unique way of life here in Ferndale.

Robert Bokram – CQS Treasurer - Citizens for a Quality Schools

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