A Study to Determine the Extent of a Justification for a Building Bond Referendum in Mt. Zion, Illinois

The purpose of this field study was to determine the extent of a justification for a bond referendum that would provide the funds for additional facilities for the Mt. Zion High School. This study is concerned with the action taken to achieve that goal. An overview of the community\u27s history with regard to education was relevant to understanding the importance of education in this community. The problem that faced the community was overcrowded facilities and lack of updated curriculum. A growth in population was addressed in terms of its impact on the educational facilities at the high school. This field study researched the changes in building design and in educational curriculum during the period of 1950 through the 1970\u27s in relationship to Mt . Zion\u27s particular needs. The course of action taken by the Board of Education in an effort to improve the facilities at the high school was reported in this study. Selecting of committees from the educational staff and community, hiring of architectural and financial services, and the planning action of these forces were considered relevant. An effort was made to gain input from the community regarding the improvements via a questionnaire concerning curriculum and space allocations. The teaching and support staff at the high school were also canvassed via the questionnaire as to program and space allocations priorities. This study relates the planning of the proposed building referendum with reference to interaction of the forces involved in the effort. After many months of planning, the Board of Education and support committees proposed a building addition to the high school that would include a vocational center for woodworking, automotive, metals, and home economics. These were proposed as two separate units at the present high school site. An additional section to be attached to the existing building was designed as a business lab and classroom area to include the latest in office machines. Remodeling of the existing facilities were to reallocate space to provide for a learning resource center which would be a media center and classroom facilities combination. This was presented as a vital part of the curriculum for a self-development of the student. The educational theories developed by the combined effort of the committees and planners supported the need for the facilities as proposed in the tax referendum. A campaign to support the bond referendum was carried out by the committee members using all forms of media to present their package. Finally, on the designated date for election, the voters brought the referendum to a resounding conclusion. The defeat was overwhelming. The Board of Education and the education committees salvaged only the health/life/safety code bonds improvements which did not need approval