WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?

The current middle school has significant structural issues and ventilation problems. Parts of the building were condemned in 1968. A professional contractor has indicated that it will take more money to remodel the old facility than build a new building. Even if remodeled, the current facility is eight classrooms short of housing the existing 338 students. Fifth and sixth grade students are currently being housed in temporary buildings.

The current high school was built in 1963 and is dated for use as a high school. When polled, sixty percent (60%) of the respondents preferred to build a new high school and remodel parts of the existing building for a middle school by fixing the music, drama, shops, and cafeteria kitchen so they could be used jointly by the high school and middle school. The new facility will be constructed next to the existing building for joint use of teaching staff and facilities for food service, library, athletics, music, art, and shop. These shared resources could save $100,000 or more per year in operating costs.

Additionally, the heating system in the current high school needs replacing and the roof at Eldriedge also must be replaced.

WHO PROPOSED THE BOND MEASURE?

A committee appointed by the School board to review facility needs has recommended that a school bond be presented in the May 2003 Election. The School Board approved the facility committee’s recommendation. Seventeen acres next to the current high school have been purchased to accommodate the new high school.

WHAT WILL THE BOND MEASURE FUND?

1. The bond will fund construction of a 450-student high school next to the current high school. Joint use of resources will expand curriculum for grades 7 through 12.

2. The existing high school will be renovated to make it an up-to-date middle school for grades 6 through 8 and accommodate joint use needs with the new high school.

3. The roof at Eldriedge Elementary will be replaced and the heating system at the existing high school updated for reliability, safety and efficiency.

4. Additional classrooms, restrooms and an eating area will be added to Eldriedge to accommodate 2nd grade. Fifth grade students will be moved from the middle school to Brooks Elementary School.

WHAT WILL THE BOND COST THE TAXPAYER?

It is estimated that the bond measure would increase property taxes by approximately $3.24 per thousand dollars of assessed value. A home assessed at $100,000 would cost the owner an additional $324 per year or 89 cents per day in property taxes.

Submitted by:

Bruce N. Anderson, Superintendent