Meridian Schools Prioritize Health and Safety Projects After Community Feedback

The Meridian Community Unit School District has decided to proceed with state-mandated Health and Life Safety projects following a recent survey indicating insufficient support for a bond referendum. This decision comes after an evaluation conducted by the independent research firm School Perceptions, which sought to understand community sentiment regarding the district’s facility challenges and potential solutions.

A total of 822 residents participated in the survey, providing valuable insights that informed the Board of Education’s planning strategies. The results revealed that only 27.2% of respondents supported the idea of exploring a bond referendum for projects beyond the essential Health and Life Safety updates. A specific proposal for constructing a new PK-5 elementary school through a $47.8 million bond referendum garnered even less support, with only 25.6% favoring the initiative.

In response to the survey findings, Michael Plourde, Superintendent of Schools, expressed gratitude for the community’s engagement. “The message from the survey is clear: Residents value the high-quality education Meridian provides, but there is not an appetite for a tax increase to fund major new construction at this moment,” he stated. Plourde emphasized that the school board is committed to respecting the community’s preferences.

Based on the feedback received, the district will concentrate its capital improvement efforts on legally mandated Health and Life Safety projects. These essential updates will be funded without the need for a referendum and are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff. The planned scope of work includes improvements to HVAC systems, roofing replacements, interior renovations, and site enhancements.

The survey results also highlighted a strong community confidence in the district’s educational programs. A significant majority of respondents, 84%, rated the district’s performance as either “Great” or “Good,” positioning Meridian in the 70th percentile compared to other districts in the region.

“Our priority is to be responsible stewards of both our financial resources and our school buildings,” Plourde remarked. He added that moving forward with these fundamental Health and Life Safety projects will allow the district to address its most pressing facility needs while honoring the community’s feedback.

The Meridian Community Unit School District currently serves approximately 1,465 students across the towns of Stillman Valley, Davis Junction, and Monroe Center. The district remains focused on maintaining high educational standards while ensuring that its facilities meet necessary safety regulations.