Cape Girardeau School Board to decide on ballot issue

The Cape Girardeau School Board will hold a special meeting today to decide whether to go to the voters with a bond issue in the April 6 election.

The board will also decide whether to accept the districtwide master facilities plan. The renovation and construction plan outlines about $50 million in projects.

Nearly $40 million of the projects received top priority to be included in a bond issue. Those projects include a $10.02 million new elementary school at Franklin Elementary, a $4.31 million 16-classroom addition, a $7.28 million auditorium and a $2.44 million stadium, all at the high school. Deferred maintenance, security upgrades and energy efficiency measures were also given a top priority in the plan.

District officials said they can proceed with a $43 million bond issue without increasing the tax rate. Financial advisers from Stifel Nicolaus have said the district could go to voters again in five years with another $15 million bond issue that would not raise the tax rate. Administrators and board members said they want to routinely approach voters with bond issues to address maintenance and construction.

Other projects that did not receive top priority could be addressed as money becomes available or with future bond issues. Those projects include gym improvements and tile replacements at the elementary schools and additional classrooms at the high school.

The board's decision marks another phase in a yearlong process, that has included forums and steering committee meetings.

The school board will meet at 6 p.m. in district administrative offices at 301 N. Clark Ave.

abusch@semissourian.com

388-3627

Pertinent address:

301 N. Clark Ave. Cape Girardeau, MO