FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
HOPE, AR - June 14, 2023 - In a special election scheduled for August 8, 2023, Hope Public Schools is proposing a 12 mill increase to fund facility upgrades and competitive employee compensation.
The facilities of Yerger Middle School and Hope High School have not been upgraded in decades. The Yerger gym has not been updated in more than half a century. The same is true for the agriculture facility at Hope High School. With an aging sports complex that is nearly 80 years old, maintenance is needed. Investment in multipurpose spaces such as the practice fields and the bandstand at the High School allows for better functionality. Improvements to the baseball field complex are also needed. The millage increase would assist in updating these areas. The increase would also allow HPS to continually invest in programs that are growing with distinction such as performing arts, band, robotics, and other STEM activities.
Last year, HPS received a highly competitive national $15 million Federal Magnet Grant. However, these funds cannot be used for facility upgrades or pay increases for employees. As we expand to create better opportunities for all students “cradle to college and career,” a millage increase provides the capability for sustainability and efficiency over time. The expressed mission of HPS administration is to elevate community pride in Hope Public Schools through continued investment in Hope’s most valuable resource: our students.
Upgrades and improvements to facilities include:
Yerger Middle School: A newly designed entrance, upgraded student learning spaces, expanded and sustained academic programs, better parking and traffic flow, and updated student athletic facilities.
William Jefferson Clinton Elementary School: New digital signage and landscaping
Beryl Henry Elementary School: New digital signage and landscaping
Hope Academy of Public Service: New landscaping
Hope High School: Upgraded Agriculture Building, a newly constructed show barn, new exterior lighting and landscaping, updated building appearance and curb appeal, and updates and upgrades to the athletic complexes.
Improvements for staff recruitment and retention include:
Competitive compensation for experienced licensed educators
Enhanced pay for ALL certified and classified employees
Incentives for ALL staff to continue their employment with Hope Public Schools, creating lifelong members of the Bobcat family
Each element of this proposal addresses needs that will allow the Hope Public School District to support ALL students and ALL staff in the future.
For more information, please visit: https://hpsdistrict.org/page/hpsmillage