COLONY — Voters in the Crest school district will decide whether to approve a $5.95 million school bond to improve facilities.
The question will be on the Nov. 7 ballot.
Community information meetings are scheduled for late September and October.
The bond would provide numerous renovations, improvements and additions. Among them:
• Classroom addition designed as a storm shelter
• New auxiliary gymnasium
• Main entry ADA accessible and secure entry addition, renovations and improvements
• Existing classrooms and locker rooms renovations and improvements
• Kitchen and cafeteria renovations and improvements
• Parking and entry drive improvements
It’s been nearly 20 years since the district attempted to pass a bond issue — and that effort failed by just five votes in 2004. The district at that time wanted $1.75 million to increase classroom space and make facility improvements similar to the current plan.
The current project, if approved, is expected to add 16 mills to the USD 479 tax levy. The school currently levies 53 mills.
Superintendent Shane Walter told an Anderson County newspaper the district sent a survey to 621 local addresses and received 137 responses, with 75% saying they were “somewhat” to “extremely” supportive of expanded classroom space and 73% in support of an additional gym and more secure/ADA entrance.
Few supported a new hard surface track facility, and that was not included in the final bond project.
The community meetings are planned for 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Kincaid gymnasium; from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27, at the Lone Elm Community Building; and from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Crest gymnasium.
