The public hearings the result of months of work by a facilities committee made up of school officials and members of the community. The committee surveyed the high school facilities and held public meetings to discuss the options. Their report calls for 60 percent new construction and 40 percent renovation at the high school.
The recommendation before the school board comes despite failure by the voting public to approve a bond request in 2007 of about $60-million in 2007, with $51-million earmarked for the high school. Another bond request in 2008 for an even higher amount, $63-million, also failed.
This time around, the facilities committee is proposing new classrooms, a new commons area and library to be built on the grounds of the War memorial Field. Also in the proposal are a $10-million upgrade to Brodniak Hall, an $11-million upgrade to the gym and another $10-million in upgrades to Rice Field.
The school district estimates the bond would increase tax rates about 58 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation. That would bring the school property tax rate to around $3.28/$1,000.
The school board is expected to approve the bond issue at a meeting next month, which would put the question to the voters in February of 2015.
The public hearing is set for 5pm Thursday in the high school auxiliary cafeteria.