The Farmington School District hopes to move forward with plans to construct a much-needed new academic campus to address enrollment growth and to avoid losing over $4.2 million in State Partnership Funding. The district has seen its student body increase by approximately 500 students over the last six years, stretching the capacity of its current facilities.
In a significant update, the district has successfully reduced its proposed millage increase to 2.0 mills for the March 3rd, 2026, election. If approved, this would raise the current millage rate from 40.10 to 42.10. This reduction from the request from 4.0 mills last year, to 2.0 mills is possible due to several key factors that have lowered the overall cost of the project:
Cost Optimization: The district used community feedback to vet architects and construction partners, implementing cost-saving measures and ensuring building efficiency.
State Partnership Funding: Farmington was awarded $4,220,000 in state partnership funds that recognize the district as one of the state's highest-growth districts and support the critical need to construct a new campus.
Community-Informed Redesign: The administration redesigned the building plans after listening to and incorporating community feedback, further reducing project expenses.
These cost-saving measures will allow the district to use the 2.0 mills, state partnership funds, and district building funds to pay for the construction of the new junior high building. The new facility is essential to alleviate capacity concerns and optimize the learning environment by re-aligning grade configurations.
The district remains committed to proactive planning and fiscal responsibility. “We are grateful that the state facility division recognizes Farmington’s significant growth and the need to construct new facilities for the students. It’s about providing safe, new facilities that aren't overcrowded for our students, and the state pledged to help cover the cost if we are successful with our millage proposal now,” stated Superintendent Jon Laffoon
The district has a millage information page on its website. You can access that page at www.farmcards.org by clicking on the “millage information” button, or by clicking here. We also value your input if you wish to fill out the Facilities Construction Survey at the end of this article.
Why is the Proposed Millage Needed?
Enrollment Growth:
Over the past six years, the district has grown by approximately 500 students, straining the capacity of its current facilities.
A new junior high building will accommodate growth and prevent overcrowding by allowing the district to realign grade levels to create classroom space.
A 2021-22 District Demographic Study shows the district will surpass 3500 students by the end of 2029.
This realignment not only optimizes learning environments but also helps alleviate traffic congestion at the busy Rheas Mill Rd and Double Springs Rd intersection. By shifting a grade level away from schools in that area, we can improve traffic flow and safety for students, staff, and the community.
Enhancing Educational Facilities:
The new junior high will include grades 8-9 in state-of-the-art classrooms, science labs, fine arts spaces, an agri classroom, a gym, and a cafeteria to support academic and extracurricular programs.
The building will also house a storm shelter for students and staff.
Re-aligning elementary schools to serve grades K-2 and converting the current middle school into an intermediate school for grades 3-4 will provide space at both current elementary campuses. Moving grades 5-7 to the current junior high will provide space release and a more supportive learning environment.
Proactive Planning and Investment:
Previous projects have been completed without raising taxes, demonstrating the district’s commitment to fiscal responsibility:
2014-2019: New high school, performing arts center, and extracurricular facilities built to serve the community and accommodate growth.
2021-2022: 200 new HVAC units and LED lighting upgrades across the district, primarily funded through ESSER money.
2022-2023: New classroom wings were added at both elementary schools to expand capacity, funded through building funds.
2023-2024: The junior high school was upgraded, and a new expansion was completed, including science labs, fine arts spaces, and additional classrooms. New HVAC system in Ledbetter Gymnasium.
2025: A new roof was installed at Williams Elementary to ensure long-term facility maintenance. New HVAC systems in gymnasiums at Williams Elementary, Farmington Middle School, and Farmington Jr High School were added using building funds.
Addressing Future Facility Needs:
Flooring improvements at two campuses demonstrate the district’s ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance current facilities.
New flooring and painting are planned for all campuses over the next four years.
New safety locks were installed across the district to create a safer classroom environment for staff and students.
Additional roof replacements have been applied for and will be added if approved by the Arkansas Facilities Division for state funding.
What’s Next?
The proposed millage increase will allow the district to:
Build a new junior high facility to meet the needs of a growing student body.
Improve alignment of schools to serve students better:
K-2 students will remain in elementary schools.
Grades 3-4 will be moving to the current middle school.
Grades 5-7 will transition to the current junior high school.
Grades 8-9 will move to the new junior high building.
The Farmington School District has a strong track record of investing in facilities and programs without raising taxes and utilizing state partnership funds to maximize investments. In recent years, our total millage has been reduced due to state-mandated rollbacks. This proposed 2.0-mill increase simply restores the rate closer to its 2022 level of 42.60. This millage request represents a thoughtful and necessary step to ensure the future success of our students as we grow.
Community Input
Please click the link to take a survey on the district's facilities construction here. Stay tuned for more information about this proposed project at upcoming meetings after the New Year.