SAMPLE BALLOT
School Board President Tiffany Elcyzyn says she wants Newcastle residents to know that the ballot wording voters will see is not the same as the resolution that was passed by the Newcastle School Board.
Elcyzyn said, “You will not see this entire resolution printed on a voter’s ballot because the wording has to be 200 words or less to fit on said ballot. Hence, the summarized wording on the ballot covers what is being proposed in the actual resolution.”
In order to help residents be informed, the Newcastle Pacer is printing the board-approved resolution on page 2 this week. Each of the projects and their costs are outlined in the resolution.
Elcyzyn said, “This is why it’s extremely important to do your homework before you ever step foot in a polling place.”
She also wants residents to know that the bond proposal was prepared by a committee before it went to the school board and gained approval.
“Please keep in mind that your board members did not decide on these projects to present to the public. Rather a committee of stakeholders, community members, students, employees and miscellaneous others who meet monthly, decided to put these objectives at the top of the needs list for this specific baby bond,” Elcyzyn said.
She said Newcastle is growing and the school district can’t continue to build on top of the current campuses.
She said, “Acquiring land elsewhere allows us to spread our campuses out and build other facilities on that land — including a future Elementary Campus, Agriculture
BOND on page 2 Barn and another multi-use gymnasium.”
BOND: Storm safe room planned
She said she wants the residents to know that there are very worthy projects in this smaller bond issue, which will not increase millage rates.
“It’s also worth mentioning that the new 4/5 Storm Safe Classrooms will help serve as a shelter if spectators and players needed to take cover during baseball/softball season,” Elcyzyn said. “As you all know, that area of Newcastle has been hit by a tornado three separate times in the years’ past.”
RACING TO READY
Newcastle Public Schools administration and Board members have outlined what they say is the importance of passing this bond issue during the election on November 18.
They call the document “Racing to Ready,” and indicate that passing the bond issue will keep the school system “on track for growth” and ready “to fuel the future.”
They say it addresses the following needs:
• Classroom Capacity & Overcrowding Relief: “Nothing derails a district faster than overcrowded classrooms. If families move in and kids don’t have adequate space to learn, the district’s reputation — the students’ education — takes the biggest hit.”
• Up-to-date Facilities for Modern Learning: “Upgrade labs, technology, and activity spaces so students get a 21st-century education.”
•Infrastructure to Support Economic Growth: “Strong schools boost property values, attract families, and help bring in new business.”
• Safety & Security Enhancements: “A growing community means more kids, more visitors, and more daily risks. Secure campuses and storm-safe facilities rank high importance for parents and staff.”
• Long-Term Cost Savings: “Tackle projects now before inflation and rising construction costs make them far more expensive later.”
• Future-Proofing for Sustained Growth: “Planning ahead ensures the district isn’t constantly behind the curve. Building for tomorrow avoids crisis-mode spending and puts the district in control of growth.”
