Voters in the Janesville Consolidated School District are deciding the fate of a $5.4 million bond referendum today (Tuesday, April 5, 2016).

If approved, money generated from the measure would provide the funding to finance a new gymnasium and additional classroom space for elementary and early childhood education. The bond issue requires a 60-percent super-majority to pass.

According to district officials, elementary class sizes are larger than the current facility can support. Janesville's enrollment figures show there are just under 150 students in grades kindergarten-through-eight this academic year. The number is expected to grow to nearly 170 next fall.

If the referendum is passed, two new elementary classrooms (with space potential for two more), a new preschool classroom and nap room, and a new competition gym with locker space would be built.

District officials said the proposed gymnasium would be larger than the current gym, which has a basketball court that is too small to meet state regulations. Spectator capacity would also increase from the current 523 to 860.

Passage of the bond issue would result in a property tax increase of $2.70 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.

According to information released by school district officials, the last general obligation bond for school improvements in Janesville was in 1974. Money from that measure 43 years ago built an elementary addition and football field.

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