Petition to Halt the $7.5 Million Sports Complex and Demand Financial Transparency

The Northwestern School Board’s plan to invest $7.5 million into a new sports complex raises significant concerns about financial priorities and the impact on our community.  At a time when educational resources are crucial, this expense seems unjustifiable and misaligned with the community's current needs.

Moving forward with this project without clear, transparent outlines of how it will be funded and sustained places our district at serious risk.  The community deserves full disclosure of the long-term financial impact before approving this major expenditure.

We must acknowledge our district is already facing significant financial strain:

Expenditures ($29.2M) outpace revenue ($25.5M), leaving a $3.7M deficit heading into the 2025–2026 school year.
The district carries $10.8M in long-term debt (bonds, leases, employee obligations, etc.), with $379,000 in annual debt payments.
The new sports complex would add $345,000 per year in additional debt payments, nearly doubling our yearly obligation and increasing total long-term debt to more than $15M.
This burden exceeds the 5.8% millage increase approved June 16, 2025, forcing the likelihood of higher taxes, reduced reserves, and further financial instability.
The board is currently discussing and researching the closure of Springfield Elementary as a cost-saving strategy.
Going forward with the Northwestern School Board's plan will risk further financial instability for the district, double the annual debt service, further deplete the district’s reserves, and force significant tax increases.

There are responsible alternatives that would improve student athletic facilities without jeopardizing financial stability:

Phased upgrades of current facilities, funded within existing budgets (1–2 projects per year).
Crowdfunding campaigns (e.g., GoFundMe, GiveSendGo) that allow alumni, families, and supporters to contribute.
Partnerships with local businesses to offset costs through sponsorships.
Grant funding such as the Erie Sports Commission Facility Matching Funds Program, Pennsylvania recreation grants, and Erie Community Foundation grants.
These options demonstrate that progress is possible without burdening taxpayers or sacrificing essential educational needs.

We strongly believe that the school board must also prioritize investments that directly benefit every student—not just athletes.  It is critical to redirect funds towards initiatives that enhance academic performance, including advanced training for teachers, modernizing classrooms, and increasing accessibility for all students.

By signing this petition, you are calling on the Northwestern School Board to:

1.      Pause the $7.5M sports complex project, pending a comprehensive funding plan.

2.      Provide full financial transparency regarding the district’s debt, revenue, and long-term obligations.

3.      Prioritize education and responsible budgeting that reflects the community’s true needs.

Your voice matters. Together, we can ensure that Northwestern School District keeps education at the heart of its mission.

Sign now to demand transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility from our School Board.