The Homestead High School Construction Project
 

On April 26, Southwest Allen County Schools (SACS) officials and administrators announced the district's plan to move forward with the $169 million Homestead High School Construction Project: a project that will result in an essentially new high school building without changing the tax rate or raising local taxes.

The announcement follows years of planning. In 2017, SACS hosted several community dialogues with hopes of getting the publics’ input as to what the community would like to see for the next 20-30 years in Southwest Allen County School’s infrastructure, maintenance and capital projects/improvement plans. Results illustrated the community’s wish for a new/renovated high school but reflected their desire for the work to be completed without raising local taxes.

In February 2019, SACS introduced the Homestead High School Construction Project’s $169 million fiscal plan that reflected the construction of a new high school within the proposed tax rate, does not raise local taxes, and still preserves the district’s flexibility going forward.

Dr. Downs attributes several reasons the district has the ability to support a project of this magnitude without raising taxes, “We have a community that supports education and our district's efforts, retiring debt rolling off, good financial management, and a great maintenance program.” 

SACS’ next step is to begin the hiring process of a Construction Manager as Constructor for the initial design phase of the project and the Design Build Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Contractor (MEP) for the remainder of the design phases and construction document phases. 

Groundbreaking is anticipated in late summer of 2020/early 2021 and is expected to be a 3-4 year project.