MONROE — Three years after Monroe voters approved a $3.35 million referendum, a similar question will be found on ballots for the April 6 election.

The new $5.6 million referendum would address issues at Northside Elementary School including maintenance, HVAC code compliance and safety updates. 

Levy rates are not projected to increase as a result of the referendum passing.  

The District Facilities Committee, which consists of community members, school faculty and members of district administration, brought in CG Schmidt Construction and Plunkett Raysich Architects in 2018.

In November 2020, representatives from the companies met again with the district to further review the building’s needs. 

It was decided that the building requires a new HVAC system in order to meet code, as well as air conditioning in the gym.

The project would also include basic maintenance, like repairing a roof leak, and safety updates, such as the addition of a sprinkler system. 

Discussion and action on the referendum had previously been tabled due to COVID-19, but the board resumed conversation in late 2020 and approved in January to pursue a facilities referendum.

The Northside project is part of the district’s long-term plan to address building issues throughout the entire district. Similar work done to Parkside Elementary School and the Monroe Middle School following the 2018 referendum, but the district’s needs do not stop there. 

After making the necessary updates and improvements to Northside, the next step for the district would be to address needs at the Monroe High School.