Cape School Board approves putting $40 million bond issue before voters in April

Voters in the Cape Girardeau School District will have the opportunity to respond to a $40 million question when they go to the polls in April.

In a special meeting Wednesday night, the district decided to approach voters with the biggest, most comprehensive construction plan in its history.

Following a two-hour discussion in which three board members raised concerns about the composition of the district's facilities plan, the school board unanimously passed the bond proposal. The board came to full agreement on the bond issue after approving the district facilities plan by a split vote.

The plan, which would not increase the tax rate, includes a new elementary school, event stadium and auditorium. It will also address millions in deferred maintenance, including new roofs and boilers.

Shortly after the meeting started, board member Tony Smee proposed to remove an auditorium at the high school from the plan. The action sparked a lengthy discussion about the plan's effect on the district's operating budget.

Smee read a statement that said projected shortfalls in state funding could affect the district's ability to operate the new facilities.

"The proposed bond issue also contains new projects that will commit the district to expenses that can only be vaguely estimated at this time," he said. "It is unreasonable to commit the district to all of those projects given our current fund reserve balance and the likelihood that we will be forced to significantly cut our current operating budget."

Smee said he supported removing the auditorium because with an operating cost of $400,000 during the next 10 years it would have more of an effect on the budget. By building a stadium the district would eliminate $12,500 per year in rental fees for Houck Stadium.

An analysis by architects, engineers and construction managers showed projects in the proposal would increase annual operating expenses by $28,500, a minimal impact on the district's overall budget, they said.

Superintendent Dr. Jim Welker said the analysis was based on conservative numbers. He said he did not believe the construction and renovation plan would have a significant effect on the budget. The district will handle funding issues and balance its budget.

"We have to deal with those issues regardless of the bond issue," he said.

He also said performance students at the high school should not be left out of the plan.

"I truly believe our high school deserves a performing arts center," Welker said.

Smee and board members Laura Sparkman and Paul Nenninger said they supported building an auditorium but wanted it moved to the second phase of the plan. The facilities plan outlines alternative projects that could be added if bids come in lower than estimated or with a future bond issue.

Nenninger said the district needed to plan better for 2012 when state government will not have federal stimulus money to supplement education funding.

"We have to absorb whatever happens," he said.

Sparkman said the district was "biting off more than it can chew."

"I'd like to have it all done, but that is not feasible," Sparkman said. She said she supported including other alternative projects in the $40 million proposal.

With low interest rates, district officials said waiting to build will increase construction costs.

"If I'm an investor, now is the time to invest," said Neil Glass, director of administrative services. Glass and a steering committee developed the facilities plan by collecting building data and holding forums for public input.

"I am much more concerned about the impact on student learning," said board member Dr. Steve Trautwein, in response to budget concerns. He said he supported the full plan, including the auditorium.

Board member Stacy Kinder also spoke in support of keeping it in the plan.

"I guess I've come around to see the auditorium as an important part of the curriculum," she said. High school students currently use the auditorium at Central Junior High School for performances.

Board members also debated whether to allow public comment on the issue. An audience of about 20 people included members of the facilities steering committee, parents and administrators.

After consulting parliamentary procedure, the board allowed comments and four people spoke on the issue, including former board member Tom Reinagel.

"Your responsibility is to take the findings and pass it on to the voters," he said of the plan, which was crafted throughout the year.

Angela Keele, a parent, said that with "unacceptable" dropout rates, projects at the high school were not immediately needed and should be moved to the second phase of the plan.

"People don't perceive the need," she said.

Steering committee member Adam Kidd said all the projects will contribute to student success by encouraging involvement in sports and performing arts.

"There's so many things that go into the school experience than the old adage reading, writing and arithmetic," he said.

The amended version of the facilities plan, which did not include the auditorium, was voted down 4-3. The full facilities plan was approved with Nenninger, Smee and Sparkman voting against it. The $40 million bond issue then passed unanimously.

Welker said the district will immediately start a promotional campaign, including a community committee.

"As a resident, I'm extremely excited," he said.

abusch@semissourian.com

388-3627

Pertinent address:

301 N. Clark Ave. Cape Girardeau, MO