Second attempt to raise money for Wyoming Public Schools to appear on November 5 ballot

In the November 5 elections, two proposals will appear on ballots for Wyoming voters. They both seek to raise money to improve the schools in the district. Proposal One would grant Wyoming Public Schools $37 million dollars and place a tax with a millage of 2.36. This means for every taxable $1,000 in a home's value, $2.36 would be paid in property taxes. Proposal Two would allow Wyoming Public Schools to borrow up to $12 million and add a .78 mill.

The initiative was split into two proposals to allow the voters more options to state their desire. After failing to pass by voters in May 2013, the district seeks another attempt to raise money for Wyoming schools.

"When we did it the first time, we lost by about 185 votes. We met and had a public session afterwards. Some of the people thought it was too much money," says Wyoming Public Schools superintendent Thomas Reeder. "So we split it into two proposals so people can determine what they want their votes to support. We listened to them and went with what they told us."

Although these proposals both seek money for the improvement of Wyoming Public Schools, they focus on different aspects. Proposal One focuses on basic upgrades that the high school needs, including secure main doors.

"Our facilities are in good shape but they're in good shape for a 50 year old school. So we need to get some upgrades and science labs. The flow of the kids is different," says Reeder. "When our buildings were made, we had an open campus. We don't do that anymore. Our cafeterias weren't set up that way- nothing was. So we're trying to upgrade them and get the schools ready for safety and academic concerns of the kids in 2013."

Proposal Two focuses mainly on athletics and creating a new fine arts center for Wyoming High School. The only fine arts center is currently at Wyoming Junior High. The entire school system was restructured in 2012 so some of the proposed changes attempt to meet the new needs of the school system. There used to be two high schools, two junior high schools and five elementary schools. Now there is one high school, one junior high and one intermediate school between elementary and junior high.

"We have a fine arts facility in the district at the 'new' high school. It's only new because we went from two high schools to one. And that performing arts center is 35 years old. It holds about 620 people. When we have events, it's very hard to get everyone in there, some have to watch from the lobby. We've made accommodations and put TVs so people can watch but we can't hold all our visitors," says Reeder. "The new performing arts center will hold about 900 people."

More information about the ballot initiatives can be found here. Elections are on November 5 and Thomas Reed encourages citizens to get out and vote on their schools.

"I believe we have truly listened to what the public has said. We've tried to go out all this summer and fall to listen to more folks and make sure people get out to vote. Please, let us hear from you. There were very few people that went out and voted the first time," says Reeder. "Get out and vote and know what the issues are, understand them. Our kids need these things moving forward and this would be a great opportunity for us to be able to do that."