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Posted on Tue, Oct. 27, 2009 10:15 PM
Center School District voters asked to approve $6.5 million in bonds
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The Center School District’s $6.5 million bond issue request on Tuesday won’t be the flashiest thing voters have pondered.
Snazzy architectural renderings don’t go along with things like roof repairs, energy-efficient windows or classroom technology forever in need of upgrades.
“We’re not talking about frills,” said Linda Stewart, co-chair of the bond committee. “We’re talking about maintaining the buildings we’ve already invested in and the pride we take in our buildings…and the importance of going green.”
And saving money down the road, she said.
If voters approve, the district would be extending the life of its current bond payments, so residents would not see an increase in their tax bills.
Bonds that are scheduled to be paid off in 2020 would continue through 2022. Currently, property owners pay a total of $5.82 per $100 of assessed valuation, and 86 cents of that is paying off the debt on the bonds.
Many of the proposed projects would stand a good chance of earning additional funding through the federal stimulus program. Voter support would strengthen the district’s bid for the extra dollars, Stewart said.
A community committee last year prioritized specific projects, including upgrading 20-year-old heating and cooling systems at Center Elementary School and Center Alternative School.
Boone Elementary needs window and siding replacements. Several schools need roof work. Elementary schools need new playground equipment. Security systems need upgrades, the committee determined.
And classroom computer and telecommunications networks need updating.
Center hopes to continue a string of Election Day successes over the past decade.
Voters approved the original $39 million bond issue in 2000 for building improvements district-wide. Those bonds were refinanced with voter approval in 2004, bringing another $7.3 million to finish major projects at Boone Elementary.
Voters approved a 62-cent increase in the district’s property tax levy in April 2007 to make the district more competitive in attracting and keeping top teachers.
CENTER SCHOOL DISTRICT
To reach Joe Robertson, call 816-234-4789 or send email to jrobertson@kcstar.com.
Posted on Tue, Oct. 27, 2009 10:15 PM
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