Did you know bond funds are designated for specific use?
By Missouri State Law: Bond money can only be used to pay for specific costs.
-Bond money can be used for facilities repairs
-Bond money can be used for facilities upgrades
-Bond money cannot be used for salaries, benefits, utilities or day-to-day expenses
Learn more at go.FZSD.us/Prop1
Paid for by Fort Zumwalt School District, 555 East Terra Lane, O’Fallon, MO, 63366
Dr. Henry St. Pierre, Superintendent
By Missouri State Law: Bond money can only be used to pay for specific costs.
-Bond money can be used for facilities repairs
-Bond money can be used for facilities upgrades
-Bond money cannot be used for salaries, benefits, utilities or day-to-day expenses
Learn more at go.FZSD.us/Prop1
Paid for by Fort Zumwalt School District, 555 East Terra Lane, O’Fallon, MO, 63366
Dr. Henry St. Pierre, Superintendent
What maintenance projects are priorities?
Taking care of what we have minimizes expenses in the long run. If passed, about 31 percent of Prop 1 funds would go toward:
Fixing and replacing old roofing to keep water out and protect classrooms from damage.
Upgrading old heating and air systems to keep classrooms comfortable and save on energy costs.
Maintaining and upgrading parking lots and drop-off lanes to improve safety and decrease upkeep costs.
Regular attention to walls, floors, and rooms across schools to keep learning spaces clean and welcoming.
Learn more at go.FZSD.us/Prop1
Paid for by Fort Zumwalt School District, 555 East Terra Lane, O’Fallon, MO, 63366
Taking care of what we have minimizes expenses in the long run. If passed, about 31 percent of Prop 1 funds would go toward:
Fixing and replacing old roofing to keep water out and protect classrooms from damage.
Upgrading old heating and air systems to keep classrooms comfortable and save on energy costs.
Maintaining and upgrading parking lots and drop-off lanes to improve safety and decrease upkeep costs.
Regular attention to walls, floors, and rooms across schools to keep learning spaces clean and welcoming.
Learn more at go.FZSD.us/Prop1
Paid for by Fort Zumwalt School District, 555 East Terra Lane, O’Fallon, MO, 63366
Julie Weber’s win-win approach to connecting her classroom to the community provided her AP Language students the chance for a unique conversation with O’Fallon Mayor Bill Hennessy. It wandered across topics that included, among other things, how municipal government works, how jurisdictions work together to solve problems and the importance of hearing all sides to find a way forward. A veteran teacher in her 20th year, Weber found a new way to bring the real world to her classroom, where students are choosing topics for a research paper where they are asked to present varying points of view on an issue and find a middle-ground that provides a path forward. Building the workforce of tomorrow one community connection at a time. #FZEquipToExcel
What about playgrounds, fields and the arts?
If passed, about 29 percent of Prop 1 funds would pay for playground upgrades and maintenance in areas that enhance the school experience.
Replacing playground equipment and adding accessible surfaces so all elementary students can play safely.
Maintaining and upgrading equipment and spaces students use for coursework, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities.
Learn more at go.FZSD.us/Prop1
Paid for by Fort Zumwalt School District, 555 East Terra Lane, O’Fallon, MO, 63366
Dr. Henry St. Pierre, Superintendent
If passed, about 29 percent of Prop 1 funds would pay for playground upgrades and maintenance in areas that enhance the school experience.
Replacing playground equipment and adding accessible surfaces so all elementary students can play safely.
Maintaining and upgrading equipment and spaces students use for coursework, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities.
Learn more at go.FZSD.us/Prop1
Paid for by Fort Zumwalt School District, 555 East Terra Lane, O’Fallon, MO, 63366
Dr. Henry St. Pierre, Superintendent
What security upgrades would be made?
Proposition 1 is a $90 million no-tax-levy-increase bond issue. Passage gives FZSD permission to borrow funds for facilities upgrades.
If FZSD has permission to borrow, about 40 percent would go toward:
Continuing to build shelters at elementary schools to protect students and staff in bad weather and emergencies.
Continuing to make front doors safer at schools across the district by creating a double layer of locked doors with buzzers.
Upgrading classroom door locks as needed across the district so staff and students can lock them quickly from the inside.
Adding classroom phones, a layer of safety that provides more timely internal communications and provides teachers communications options.
Adding technology that would provide staff easy access for immediate emergency notification
Continuing maintenance and upgrades on computer networks, servers, and digital tools used by students and staff every day.
Adding updated security cameras both inside and outside school buildings district-wide.
Learn more at go.FZSD.us/Prop1
Paid for by Fort Zumwalt School District, 555 East Terra Lane, O’Fallon, MO, 63366
Dr. Henry St. Pierre, Superintendent
Proposition 1 is a $90 million no-tax-levy-increase bond issue. Passage gives FZSD permission to borrow funds for facilities upgrades.
If FZSD has permission to borrow, about 40 percent would go toward:
Continuing to build shelters at elementary schools to protect students and staff in bad weather and emergencies.
Continuing to make front doors safer at schools across the district by creating a double layer of locked doors with buzzers.
Upgrading classroom door locks as needed across the district so staff and students can lock them quickly from the inside.
Adding classroom phones, a layer of safety that provides more timely internal communications and provides teachers communications options.
Adding technology that would provide staff easy access for immediate emergency notification
Continuing maintenance and upgrades on computer networks, servers, and digital tools used by students and staff every day.
Adding updated security cameras both inside and outside school buildings district-wide.
Learn more at go.FZSD.us/Prop1
Paid for by Fort Zumwalt School District, 555 East Terra Lane, O’Fallon, MO, 63366
Dr. Henry St. Pierre, Superintendent
Student leaders at Pheasant Point welcomed our community to their school and had great conversations about setting goals, tracking progress and working together. They even guided virtual tours of other schools' storm shelters before introducing Superintendent Dr. St. Pierre to guests. With so many opportunities coming up at our schools (concerts, contests, performances, Trunk-or-Treats, Veterans Day and more) our district Community Connections won't be back until next semester. If you missed our fall events and want to learn more about Prop 1, visit go.FZSD.us/Prop1
Thanks to all who attended our second annual Parent Leadership Workshop! It's a chance for leaders of our parent organizations to come together and hear from the Superintendent and CFO. They also heard from Lindenwood's Dr. Alex Tripamer, working through strategies to increase their impact by growing their organizations. Networking over dinner helps parents make connections across the district that support our mission to Educate, Empower and Equip Students to Excel. Say hello to the parent leaders at your school at one of the many upcoming fall events!
What are the district’s priorities if it is allowed to borrow funds?
FZ Prop 1 requires 57 percent approval to pass, giving the district permission to borrow $90 million for security and facilities upgrades. Priorities are:
Priority 1 is Safety and Security.
Continuing to build storm shelters at elementary schools
Continuing to fortify school entrances across the district
Adding classroom phones
Priority 2 is Enhanced Opportunities and Accessibility.
Create welcoming spaces to play that are safe for all students and maintain facilities that create opportunities for students.
Priority 3 is Maintenance.
Take care of what we have by keeping roofs, parking lots, HVAC, interiors in efficient, effective operating condition.
Learn more at go.FZSD.us/Prop1
Paid for by Fort Zumwalt School District, 555 East Terra Lane, O’Fallon, MO, 63366
Dr. Henry St. Pierre, Superintendent
FZ Prop 1 requires 57 percent approval to pass, giving the district permission to borrow $90 million for security and facilities upgrades. Priorities are:
Priority 1 is Safety and Security.
Continuing to build storm shelters at elementary schools
Continuing to fortify school entrances across the district
Adding classroom phones
Priority 2 is Enhanced Opportunities and Accessibility.
Create welcoming spaces to play that are safe for all students and maintain facilities that create opportunities for students.
Priority 3 is Maintenance.
Take care of what we have by keeping roofs, parking lots, HVAC, interiors in efficient, effective operating condition.
Learn more at go.FZSD.us/Prop1
Paid for by Fort Zumwalt School District, 555 East Terra Lane, O’Fallon, MO, 63366
Dr. Henry St. Pierre, Superintendent
We’re ready!
These leaders are ready to welcome our community, share a glimpse into the school day, guide a storm shelter tour and hear from our superintendent.
Are you?
We’ll be at Pheasant Point Elementary on Wednesday, Oct. 7.
Two chances for you to be a part of our Community Connections: 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.
#FZCommunity
These leaders are ready to welcome our community, share a glimpse into the school day, guide a storm shelter tour and hear from our superintendent.
Are you?
We’ll be at Pheasant Point Elementary on Wednesday, Oct. 7.
Two chances for you to be a part of our Community Connections: 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.
#FZCommunity
Can the district afford to borrow money through a bond issue?
Yes.
The district’s ability to borrow is called its bonding capacity. Bonding capacity is determined through an equation set by state law.
Bonding capacity is 15 percent of the total assessed valuation of real and personal property in the district, minus any current debt the district has from previous bond sales.
The district’s 2026 assessed valuation is $3.98 billion. Fifteen percent is $597 million. Subtracting current debt leaves FZSD with a bonding capacity of $443 million, or five times more than the $90 million proposed in FZ Prop 1.
Learn more at go.FZSD.us/Prop1
Paid for by Fort Zumwalt School District, 555 East Terra Lane, O’Fallon, MO, 63366
Dr. Henry St. Pierre, Superintendent
Yes.
The district’s ability to borrow is called its bonding capacity. Bonding capacity is determined through an equation set by state law.
Bonding capacity is 15 percent of the total assessed valuation of real and personal property in the district, minus any current debt the district has from previous bond sales.
The district’s 2026 assessed valuation is $3.98 billion. Fifteen percent is $597 million. Subtracting current debt leaves FZSD with a bonding capacity of $443 million, or five times more than the $90 million proposed in FZ Prop 1.
Learn more at go.FZSD.us/Prop1
Paid for by Fort Zumwalt School District, 555 East Terra Lane, O’Fallon, MO, 63366
Dr. Henry St. Pierre, Superintendent
Let's hear it for our Custodians, Maintenance and Ground Workers! Creating and maintaining a top-notch learning environment gives students room to grow. Thank you for all you do!
Fort Zumwalt School District is hosting two opportunities to tour the Pheasant Point Elementary addition. Experience our original storm shelter solution and discover what we have learned in the four years since it was built. Come for the tour. Stay for the conversation! Learn about Proposition 1 on the Nov. 3 ballot.
The event, part of our Community Connections series, is for Fort Zumwalt residents and business owners and should only last about an hour.
FZSD Open House & Community Roundtable
3450 Pheasant Meadow Drive, O'Fallon, MO
2:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 7
or
6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 7
The event, part of our Community Connections series, is for Fort Zumwalt residents and business owners and should only last about an hour.
FZSD Open House & Community Roundtable
3450 Pheasant Meadow Drive, O'Fallon, MO
2:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 7
or
6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 7
Look who popped in at Forest Park with the Megan Meier Foundation as an incentive for attendance. They handed out School Year Game Plans to students and spread the word about Beginning With The End In Mind to have a great school year. True Blue! #FZCommunity
What is a bond issue?
The district asks voters for permission to borrow up to a specified amount for capital improvements. With Proposition 1 on the Nov. 3 ballot, Fort Zumwalt is asking for permission to borrow $90 million for security and facilities upgrades.
If voters give the district permission, the district borrows by selling bonds. This can be done in increments. For instance, if given permission to borrow, Fort Zumwalt could sell $30 million in bonds (borrow $30 million) and wait to borrow the remaining $60 million. By law, once the money has been borrowed it can only be used for capital improvements. It must be spent within three years.
Bonds, like home improvement loans, are repaid over time and can be refinanced at a lower interest rate during the repayment period, saving the district money on the loans.
In the past four years, bond funds have made building additions, HVAC replacements and regular maintenance possible at Fort Zumwalt’s 27 schools.
Learn more at go.FZSD.us/Prop1
Paid for by Fort Zumwalt School District, 555 East Terra Lane, O’Fallon, MO, 63366
Dr. Henry St. Pierre, Superintendent
Just inside the door to Mr. Jones’ 7th-grade social studies classroom we spotted a knight guarding these words: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” They are from President Teddy Roosevelt’s autobiography. Mr. Jones, a first-year teacher, says it applies as much to him as he changes careers as it does to his students.
“I spent the last 25 years as an attorney,” he says. “We might think we don't have the skills or talent to achieve great things or that we are in the wrong place or time, but all of us have gifts and talents that can help us do something that matters to someone if we use them. In other words, there will never be a perfect time and place, but that doesn't mean we don't matter or our actions can't have meaning and purpose.”
Now that’s a Moto Monday!
“I spent the last 25 years as an attorney,” he says. “We might think we don't have the skills or talent to achieve great things or that we are in the wrong place or time, but all of us have gifts and talents that can help us do something that matters to someone if we use them. In other words, there will never be a perfect time and place, but that doesn't mean we don't matter or our actions can't have meaning and purpose.”
Now that’s a Moto Monday!
Congratulations to Laura Wilson, a para at Rock Creek Elementary, who has been awarded the Grow Your Own Para award from the FZ Education Foundation. The Foundation established the award to provide tuition assistance to employees working to become certified teachers. It is similar to the Grow Your Own Teacher program for selected Zumwalt high school seniors. Once her degree and certification are complete, Wilson (third from left) will have her own classroom, just like the homegrown teachers celebrating her in this photo.
High school seniors interested in a career in education should visit their counselor to learn more about this year’s Grow Your Own Teacher application process. It is open until Oct. 26.
High school seniors interested in a career in education should visit their counselor to learn more about this year’s Grow Your Own Teacher application process. It is open until Oct. 26.
We want you to be a part of celebrating our staff! Our Blue Notes have been so popular that we want to give #FZCommunity the opportunity to celebrate staff each month. Use the link, which you can find on the banner of any of our websites, to send a Blue Note of appreciation, celebration or thanks to a Fort Zumwalt staff member. We deliver on the monthly early release day. Let's make some noise for our amazing staff!
go.fzsd.us/BlueNotes
go.fzsd.us/BlueNotes
Behind the scenes, our I.T. Professionals keep our school offices up and running and our classrooms prepared to Educate, Empower and Equip Students to Excel. Thank you for all you do, and have a great day!
Congratulations to Fort Zumwalt School District’s National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists. These Fort Zumwalt seniors are among the top scorers on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) taken by more than 1 million high school juniors across the nation. More at fz.k12.mo.us
Never forget.
