The Cole Camp R-1 School District will be asking voters to approve a no tax increase bond measure at the April general election. When passed, this would allow the district to extend current bonding opportunities with no additional tax burden placed on patrons. It would generate approximately $3.5 million in additional funds that could be used for capital improvements to district facilities.
According to Superintendent Christina Hess, the District’s Strategic Planning Committee worked last summer to establish capital project goals and the plan was approved by the Board of Education. “The Cole Camp R-1 Board of Education approved the potential Phase Two of the district’s building project that would add facilities for industrial arts/shop classes as well as relocation of music programs, “said Hess. “The proposed new addition would be tucked into the area on the west side of the campus.,” she continued. This approximate 8,700 square foot addition would only happen if the no tax increase bond issue is approved.
According to Hess, “The community has expressed a strong desire for our students to have access to more hands-on, career education type classes.” She continued, “The proposed shop and classroom space would be ample to house larger building and construction projects as well as the technical support classes that are needed to operate and maintain state of the art equipment.”
Plans call for an 8,400 square foot shop and classroom space as well as remodeling funds.
“Moving music classes would provide more standardized space, increased, convenient storage and help mitigating the noise these programs generate,” said Hess.
“The Board of Education is committed to supporting the District’s mission of preparing our students to be successful at whatever they do, once they leave our hallways,” said Hess. “Using no tax increase funds to build these facilities is a giant step to fulfilling that mission.”
Other projects included in the no tax increase bond could include parking lot drainage and surfacing work.
Voters go to the polls on Tuesday, April 8.
