Building Plan Would Add $13 Million to Economy, Create 1,500 Jobs
Record Number: 8728 Displayed from: May 3 2012 12:00AM, until: May 30 2012 12:00AMThe building project that residents of Fort Wayne Community Schools will see on the May 8 ballot has the
potential to add $13 million to Allen County's economy and create 1,500 jobs over the next four years, if
approved, according to a study by Hanover Research.
Hanover Research has an annual contract with FWCS to provide research on a variety of education topics to
assist with decision making. The research was done by projecting what the economy would look like with and
without the building project. If the project is approved, Hanover estimates the economic impact on Allen
County will be $172 million during the four years of construction. If the project does not move forward,
Hanover estimates that about $159 million would remain with taxpayers over the 20 years that the debt on the
project would have been repaid had it been successful. Therefore, the difference in the two equations is a
positive impact of about $13 million.
"These figures do not represent the whole of the spending by FWCS on the Strong Schools, Strong Community
initiative; rather, we allowed the model to estimate the proportion of expenditures that would be paid
directly to businesses and individuals in Allen County," the report states.
Of the 1,500 jobs created, the study predicts 838 would be local workers hired for the project, such as local
electricians. Additionally, 240 jobs would be created indirectly from local companies buying materials to use
on the job sites. And, 422 jobs would be created as more people in the community are working. For example, a
construction worker hired for the project may use income to purchase a car from a local car deal. That
purchase provided a commission for the sales person, who used the money to purchase a TV at a local retailer.
"We obviously believe that it is important that we properly care for these community assets and provide
an adequate learning environment for our students," said Chief Financial Officer Kathy Friend. "But
we also know "and this report confirms" that this will have a larger impact on the local economy by
providing much-needed jobs to our community. With more people working, the economy only gets stronger."
FWCS residents will have an opportunity to vote on the referendum question on Primary Day, May 8, or by
participating in early voting. Early voting can be done at the Election Board office at the corner of Calhoun
and Superior streets from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. The office will also be open this Saturday, May
5, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The full report is available online at www.fortwayneschools.org/facility_planning.php.
© Fort Wayne Community Schools | May 26th 2013