Stung by the 2007 defeat of an ambitious bond issue that would have raised taxes for extensive school improvements and expansion, South Pike school trustees are trying again — this time asking for $2.5 million that would not require a tax hike for residents.
The previous bond issue that would have allowed the district to borrow up to $11.5 million, has been scaled down considerably.
Officials said the district needs the $2.5 million to make much-needed repairs and remodels to school buildings, including water, light, heating and air conditioning, and sewerage work at district campuses. The money also will be used to add classrooms at Eva Gordon and Osyka elementary schools and air conditioning at the Willie E. Jones Coliseum.
Superintendent Dr. Bill Gunnell said district debt is rolling off, and the new bond issue would simply replace the current tax levy. The notes would be paid off in 20 years.
“We want to stress there will be no tax increase to the general public. … We’re asking people to let us continue that levy,” Gunnell said, referring to the bond issue used to build the gymnasium/cafeteria at Eva Gordon.
Trustees unanimously approved the bond issue Monday night and agreed to have a special election on Saturday, May 3, with voting at the Eva Gordon and Osyka campuses from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
To be successful, at least 60 percent of the district’s voters must agree to the bond issue. The August vote resulted in 74 percent of voters saying no to the bond issue.
Trustees generally agree that the district fell short of selling the project to the public.
“I think we didn’t communicate effectively,” said trustee Dr. Luke Lampton. “Anybody who cares about this district agrees (the improvements are needed).”
Gunnell said it’s possible that with enough classrooms added to Osyka and Eva Gordon, both schools could possibly house students in grades K-8 at some point.
