Following the special meeting this past Monday, the Plainview Board of Education will gather again this coming Monday, Feb. 9 at 6 p.m. to again review possible language for the proposed bond issue that could be on May ballot.
At the special meeting, the Board heard comment from the community on both sides of the discussion – according to the minutes, with a number suggesting the board submit the issue and give the public a chance to respond by voting.
Superintendent Dr. Darron Arlt said that at the Monday meeting, the Board will consider the bond issue in two questions, instead of one large one:
Question 1: $26,585,000 to include:
Demolition of 1920 building and wood shop
Construct 6 general education classrooms
Construct 2 wrestling rooms
Construct C.T.E. (wood working, metal working/welding, agriculture, small engines) labs, classrooms, and woods/metal storage
Close Woodland Ave. to connect the Elementary and High School with construction of secured main school entrance, kitchen and commons/lunchroom, centralized/shared K-12 Art, Media/Library, & Vocal/Instrumental classrooms
Construction of Family Consumer Science classroom and Culinary Arts labs
Renovation of existing Elementary library, computer lab, multipurpose room, and kitchen into early childhood (3-and 4-year-old preschool and Kindergarten) classrooms
Renovation of existing Elementary Music into additional Special Education services space
Renovation and expansion of existing High School Music room into a Fitness/Wellness room
Renovation of existing Weight Room into a crossover hallway, handicap/equipment access to the stage, and storage
Question 2: $5,950,000 to include
Construct 1,258 Square Foot gym
Construct 2 FEMA rate storm shelter locker rooms
Also included in the question will be the consideration of a 25 year maximum payoff. Interest would likely be determined at the time of borrowing.
Currently, interest rates online were estimated to be between 4% - 4.625% - which would result in either a total of $44.898 million paid back on the $26 million Question #1, and/or $10.04 million paid back on Question #2.
If both are approved by voters, the total, $32,535,000 at a maximum of 25 years and 4.625% the total with interest to be repaid could be as much as $54,945,859.05.
Arlt said that the Board has planned a 10-week informational campaign designed to “provide all the details necessary for voters to make a fully informed decision on May 12.”