The Plainview Board of Education voted 4-2 to forward the bond initiative for the "not to exceed" around $32 million expansion, renovation and new construction project at the meeting on Monday, Feb. 9.
The Board allowed around 20 minutes for comment, indicating that "it was not a Q&A Session" during the public comment period where 11 members of the public spoke during the allowed time - some calling for a vote of the public to make the decision, and some calling for additional review - but all thanking the board and committee for their work so far.
In the end, the Board approved a resolution "not to exceed" a bond of $32,535,000 total - split into two questions, $26,585,000 for expansion, renovation and new construction of classrooms, closure and building across the street (in the latest plan), and $5,950,000 for specifically the new gymnasium and two new locker rooms.
The ballot item will appear in two questions – both asking “FOR” or “AGAINST” on each separate section. A “FOR” vote for both will set the entire project in motion at the $32.5 million; an “AGAINST” will stop the entire project.
Votes can also be cast “split” – but only in one direction for all practical purposes. A “FOR” Vote on only the school portion at $26.5 million will forward that construction/renovation but without the gym. The construction will follow the suggested floorplan, but not include the gym and locker rooms, but will close the street and leave space for possible growth in the future.
A “FOR” vote for only the gym portion will result in the project being stopped, Dr. Darron Arlt said there is no plan to build the gym stand-alone without the school project as well.
Board Members Melissa Doerr and Chance Anderson voted not to forward the initiative, and Wyatt Frahm, Tim Rasmussen, Justin D. Doerr and Caden Alexander voted affirmatively to put the issue to a vote of the people.
The item will appear on the May Primary Statewide ballot with language to be introduced officially once it is filed with the county clerk. Deadlines to register to vote will be announced as the election approaches.
The meeting closed less than 10 minutes following the vote and regular reports.
Watch the entire meeting here: https://youtube.com/watch?v=eAMmDvGEiJc