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School bond issue put on hold Central Point board may wait until 2000 By VICKI GUARINO CENTRAL POINT -- Voters won't be asked anytime soon to finance construction of new school buildings. And by the time they are again asked to approve a bond measure, it likely will be a pared-down proposal. The Central Point School Board appears willing to pass up a chance to go to voters later this year with a multimillion-dollar measure to replace and enlarge crowded schools. Instead, board members agreed in an informal discussion Tuesday to reconsider problems with aging and crowded buildings in September or October. The soonest the 4,500-student district could put together a new building plan for voters likely would be March 2000. Board members made no firm commitments in their discussion Tuesday. Twice last year the district sought approval of a $36 million bond measure for new schools in Central Point and Gold Hill, additions to Crater High School, and other district improvements. In the first vote, the measure passed by a simple majority, but failed because the district didn't draw the state-required minimum of 50 percent of registered voters. In the balloting in November -- when there was no voter turnout requirement -- the measure failed by only 191 votes. Board members were mindful of the differences in the two defeats as they considered the options. Chairman David Gilmour said he doubted the district could ever have voter participation reaching the 50 percent mark. "There seems to be fewer and fewer people voting," Gilmour said. To avoid the voter turnout concern, the district would have to wait until the next general election in November 2000. But by waiting until a November general election, the district likely will be competing with other districts posting other money measures. The competition could draw more "no" voters, school officials worry. So other possible election dates are March or May 2000. Board members also wondered if voters would ever approve a funding package as large as the measure Central Point has proposed. Board member Lenore Gebhard said some voters have suggested that the district plan the project in phases to reduce immediate costs. Also, she and other board members agreed that reducing the scope of the building plan might make it more palatable to voters. Superintendent Mike McClain suggested that rather than approving a single, giant construction package, board members vote on each school project separately, "so the board can be unanimous on every item. Hanby Middle School in Gold Hill and Central Point Elementary School are about 90 years old and have structural and mechanical deficiencies. They need to be replaced, school officials say. Crater High School was built for 1,200 students but houses 1,400. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA