Document text
Schools bond measure seeks $29.8 million for repair work By Vicki Guarino CENTRAL POINT � For the third time in two years, voters are being asked to support a bond measure to renovate, replace and enlarge the community�s oldest and most crowded schools. At $29.8 million, the bond measure on the Sept. 19 special election ballot is the smallest of the three � by nearly $10 million � and far less comprehensive than past plans. Previous plans included community athletic fields and some expansion or renovation at each of the district�s eight schools. The current plan addresses the district�s immediate needs, according to Superintendent Candy Manary. If voters approve the bond measure, a new tax of, at most, $1.85 per $1,000 assessed valuation would be levied to repay the bond. The payment period would be no more than 21 years. The exact amount of the tax rate isn�t certain because tax rolls haven�t been updated to include the newest construction. Not only will voters have to favor the tax plan, but at least 50 percent of the district�s registered voters will have to cast ballots. If approved, the measure would fund the following: Replace Central Point Elementary. Built in 1908, the buildings have deteriorated and have significant deficiencies. The original brick building would be restored for administrative offices (making room at the current administration site for Crater High School expansion). Remaining buildings would be torn down and a new school built. Partially replace Hanby Middle School in Gold Hill. Built in 1910, Hanby also is inadequate for students. Instead of building a new school, however, some buildings would be torn down to make way for eight new classrooms, music room, and a larger cafeteria that also would serve as a multipurpose room. Students no longer would use classrooms on the second floor of the main building, and the space would be used for storage. Enlarge Crater High School. The school has been overcrowded for several years, and enrollment is expected to rise significantly in the next few years. A total of 16 classrooms would be built, extending the school into the administration and bus area � both operations would have to be moved. Also, a greenhouse would be built to supplement Crater�s strong agriculture program, as well as an auditorium for performances. Enlarge and remodel Mae Richardson Elementary School. Students now have class in old locker rooms and on the stage. New facilities would be built for buses, food services and maintenance. Construction likely would begin in June. The proposal is the first phase of the Central Point School District�s long-term plan to keep buildings up to date for the next 10-15 years. The idea is to take on projects as they become necessary and desired by the community. Much of the future school development would be tied to residential and commercial development in the district, which would help pay for the new facilities. Obituaries | Sports | Business | Classifieds | Tempo | Prime Times | So Oregon Sites | Outdoor Journal | Subscribe | Contact | Movies | Advertise | Real Estate Showcase | Archive | Editorials | Letters to the editor | Religion | Wake-up Call | NIE | Cyber Chef | Job Network | So Oregon Weather | WSJ Northwest | Forums | AP Wire | AP Money | F.A.Q. | Awards Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. The Community Newspaper Subsidiary of Dow Jones & Co, Inc Copyright �The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA