AREA SCHOOLS SET BOND VOTES

Campaign committees in Oak Ridge and Scott City school districts are stepping up efforts to gain voter support for bond proposals in April 3 elections.

Superintendents in both school districts said special committees led by residents have collected money from patrons and area businesses to cover costs of promoting bond issues to voters.

Both committees rely heavily on informational mailings to gain support for the measures, which require a 57.14 percent approval to pass.

In addition, Oak Ridge's Our Children, Our Future committee, chaired by Jo Ann Hahs, will sponsor two meetings this month to answer questions about the proposal's design and what it includes.

Scott City school officials and Citizens for a Brighter Future committee members will make the rounds at community organization meetings to discuss the proposal. Larry Dunger is the committee chairman.

School officials said consistent enrollment gains in recent years have left both districts with insufficient space for classes and special programs. The officials are optimistic about winning additional funding for construction projects.

"I realize some people are opposed to any tax issue, and they will have to weigh in their own minds what's best for the students," said Scott City superintendent Roger Tatum.

Oak Ridge schools have seen a 10 percent enrollment growth in the past two years and sustained growth over the past four years. That fact, coupled with increased course offerings and the anticipated opening of a new highway exchange near the community this summer, contribute to the district's need to expand, said district superintendent Cheri Fuemmeler.

"We anticipate additional growth, but right now we're already full," Fuemmeler said. "I know there are people that have some questions, and we'd like to describe the building proposal and answer any questions they have."

Both districts seek passage of bond issues that would require 30-cent tax increases for the sale of bonds to be repaid over the next 20 years.

Oak Ridge school officials want to pass a $1.95 million bond issue to fund a three-part expansion effort. The tax increase would be needed for nine years, after which the levy would return to its current rate of $3.35 per $100 assessed valuation.

The measure would cover purchase of 30.5 acres of property behind the high school for future expansion; construction of a middle school to house sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade classrooms, an expanded media center-library, art room and a computer lab; and construction of a multipurpose building.

The Scott City school board will ask voters to approve a $3.5 million bond issue that would increase the tax levy by about 30 cents per $100 assessed valuation.

The measure, among other things, would fund construction of 20 new classrooms and a new industrial arts building.