Completion of a $15 million upgrade over seven years is anticipated by board of education and school officials with voter approval of a $9.9 million bond issue to finish the final three phases.
Financial consultant David Vernon has advised board members that the entire package can be completed without increasing the district’s ad valorem tax rate. Phase I, a $4.7 million issue financing the new high school campus and band room, started in 2004. With one payment remaining to retire this bond, the property level tax rate will not increase.
“The board is requesting a $9,975,000 bond to the pay for the three phases,” Supt. Gary Scott said of the new proposal. “The bonds would run for nine years. We can do the total proposed issue without raising taxes. We hope you will see the need for these facilities and vote yes on May 13.
“If the bond passes it will mean that we have added almost $15,000,000 worth of improvements to our campuses in seven years,” he said. “A good school district makes everyone’s property more valuable.
“Lone Grove has a reputation for having a good school. Good facilities play a major role in having a good school system. The patrons of Lone Grove have never failed to pass a school bond proposal. Remember, we can make all the improvements listed above without raising taxes.”
The board launched the four-phase building program in 2004 after spending almost five years examining school needs.
Phases II, III and IV will construct nine new elementary classrooms that for the primary and intermediate schools to accommodate elementary level growth — “we are out of classroom space.” This phase will enlarge the elementary cafeteria by 3,400 square feet. Phase II would start in January 2009.
Phase III will finance an air-conditioned gymnasium seating 1,500 people. Plans drawn by Corner+Ness Architects call for 1,100 chair back seats.
“The new gym will allow us to have graduation and baccalaureate services on campus,” Scott said. “By the time the new gym is constructed the old gym will be 37 years old. The old gym is not handicapped accessible and there is only room for single file entrance and exit on the aisles.
“A new gym would also allow us to offer boys and girls athletics seventh hour,” he added. “We don’t have enough space or hours in the day to schedule all the classes for the middle school and high school in the old gym.”
Phase IV will add a 600-seat auditorium to the campus.
“The music department currently has to borrow one of the local churches for their concerts,” the superintendent said. “Our vocal music, speech and band are some of the best programs in the state. A new auditorium would give all three organizations a facility for their performances. An auditorium would also allow an adequate facility for the elementary students to perform their end of the year programs.”
