• Livingston Says 'Yes' to School Vote

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    Voters approve elementary classrooms, media centers, ADA improvements.

     School Vote 2012
    Voters in Livingston approved an $18.2 million school construction project on March 12 by a vote of 1,446 to 1,257, according to unofficial election results.

    The project will add 14 new elementary classrooms, three media centers, and bring full ADA compliance to the older portion of Livingston High School.

    “Livingston residents take great pride in their public schools and they made a long-term commitment to their excellence by the passage of this referendum,” said Dr. Brad Draeger, Superintendent of Livingston Public Schools.

    The referendum will allow the District to: 

    •    Add classrooms to five elementary school buildings to help it reduce reliance on soft-borders, reduce class sizes, and provide the flexibility to meet the demands of future enrollment increases expected from planned housing developments.
     
    •    Bring parity to elementary schools by creating modern media centers in three buildings currently with libraries more than 50 years old. The new media centers, like their counterparts in the other three elementary schools, will have sufficient space for large group instruction and access to technology.
     
    •    Provide the space needed to house new in-district special education programs to be developed over time.
     
    •    Bring entire Livingston High School complex to full compliance with federal laws regarding ADA accommodations for disabled students and adults.

    The construction project is expected to begin early next year. The elementary school expansion includes building new media centers at Collins, Riker Hill, and Harrison, and transforming the current space into classrooms. Classrooms will be added at Burnet Hill and Hillside.

    Approval followed a long-term study by school leaders who concluded emergent needs to increase elementary capacity and bring 100 percent ADA compliance at the high school.
     
    “This yes vote will allow Livingston Public Schools to be a lighthouse district for ADA accommodations, and deal with elementary capacity issues,” Draeger said. “But more importantly it ensures a steady and long-term future that accommodates the needs of all students.”

    With about 13 percent of registered voters in Livingston voting, 53.5 percent decided in favor of the referendum, said Steven Robinson, the District’s business administrator. The ballot passed by 189 votes.

    “We want to thank the community who once again reaffirmed its support of our school District and our commitment to provide an exemplary education to all students,” said Ronnie Spring, President of the Livingston Board of Education.
Last Modified on July 9, 2013