Farmington, Ark. — The Farmington School District is preparing for a vote in May to increase its millage rate in order to fund the construction of a new junior high school. The decision comes as the district grapples with rapid growth, particularly in the number of students enrolling each year.
According to Jon Laffoon, superintendent of the Farmington School District, the district has been monitoring its growth trends since 2021 and 2022. A demographic study reveals that the district is projected to reach approximately 3,500 students by the 2028-2029 school year. This surge in student population has prompted the need for additional school facilities.
“We started to see a sharp spike in our growth,” said Laffoon. “The study shows that by 2028, we’ll be at around 3,500 students, so we need to act now to accommodate that growth.”
The proposed millage increase will help fund the construction of a new junior high school along Arkansas Highway 170 in Farmington. The cost of the project is estimated at $36 million, a figure that has been rising due to inflation and construction price hikes in recent years.
To ease the financial burden on homeowners, Laffoon noted that the proposed tax increase would range from $160 to $320 annually for homes valued between $200,000 and $400,000. “We’ve shared this information on our website and through our social media platforms so homeowners know what to expect,” he said.
In addition to the millage increase, the district has also applied for state partnership funds to assist with the cost of the new facility. The district expects to learn in early May whether it will receive this additional financial support. Laffoon expressed optimism, but emphasized that state funding would not fully cover the construction costs.
“Because of the rising costs of construction over the past four years and the significant amount of space we need, we’re hoping the state will help, but we also need support from the community,” he said.
If approved, the new junior high school could be completed within two years, potentially setting the district up for success over the next six to seven years. Before the vote, the school district plans to hold a public meeting, providing an opportunity for parents and community members to ask questions and voice concerns. The date for the meeting has not yet been set, but more information will be available on the district’s website.
“We want to make sure the community has all the information they need before the vote,” said Laffoon. “This project will help accommodate the growth we’re seeing and provide students with the space and resources they need to succeed.”
The May vote will be a pivotal moment for the Farmington School District, as the outcome will determine how the district handles its rapid expansion and ensures that its schools can keep up with the increasing demand for educational facilities.