Warrant Article 4: WMS Athletic Field Enhancements

Windham LINK has prepared a series of articles that review the 2017 School District Warrant and Budget.  We hope that this will help you make an informed decision on Election Day, March 14, 2017.  

Warrant Article 4
This Warrant Article asks voters to approve $345K for the purpose of a natural grass athletic field at Windham Middle School (WMS) as part of the Golden Brook School (GBS) reconstruction and WMS renovation project. The proposed reconstruction and renovation project is known as Warrant Article 2.

What it Means
The existing area behind WMS, which is currently used as a leaching field, would be repurposed as an athletic field for soccer and lacrosse.

What We Get If Article 2 Passes

• A soccer/lacrosse practice field with a regulation size playing area. The field does not include sideline space so it cannot be used for games.
• Dirt vehicle access and parking.
• Fencing on three (3) sides of the field.

What We Get If Article 2 AND Article 4 Pass

• A regulation size soccer/lacrosse field that INCLUDES sideline space, therefore it can be used for practices AND games.
• Paved vehicle access and parking spaces .
• Fencing on four (4) sides of the field.
• Sprinkler system for the field.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If Article 2 fails (does not pass), Article 4 becomes null and void. This is not a stand-alone addition of a soccer field at WMS. This is considered an “add-on” should Warrant Article 2 pass and must be approved by voters.

Tax Impact
Tax impact of the first full year of the bond or note to be $0.01 per thousand of property valuation (per District voter’s guide).  For a home valued at $350,000 the tax impact would be $3.50 for the first full year of the bond or note.  For a home valued at $500,000, the tax impact would be $5.00 for the first full year.

Article 4 warrant language as of 3/3/2017:
“Shall the Windham School District raise and appropriate the sum of $345,000 for the purpose of an athletic field expansion at the Middle School; and to authorize the issuance of not more than $345,000 of bonds or notes under and in compliance with the Municipal Finance Act, RSA 33:1 et seq., as amended; and to authorize the School Board to apply for, obtain and accept federal, state or other aid, if any, which may be available for said project and to comply with all laws applicable to said project; and to authorize the School Board to issue, negotiate, sell and deliver said bonds and notes and to determine the rate of interest thereon and the maturity and other terms thereof; and authorize the School Board to take any other action to carry out this vote; and to further raise and appropriate the additional sum of $6,571.77 for the first year’s payment on the bonds or notes?” If Article 2 does not pass, this article shall be null and void. 

Sources:  Windham Local School New Hampshire Warrant and Budget 2017 - January 27, 2017, Windham School District Deliberative Session - February 10, 2017, Windham School District 2017 Voter’s Guide - February 21, 2017 and March 3, 2017 mailer, Windham School Board meeting presentations by architects, engineers and construction managers - 2016-2017.