COMMUNITY MEETING TONIGHT TO DISCUSS SCHOOL BALLOT ISSUES

JACKSON -- The Jackson school board hopes for a big turnout at a community meeting at 7:30 tonight at Jackson Middle School.

District Superintendent Ron Anderson said a good turnout is needed to help the district form strategies to gain passage of two funding measures being proposed in August elections.

"It's our goal that it be a community-led effort," said Anderson. "Hopefully, we'll get committees formed and set up so we can decide how to go about fund raising and campaigning."

The school board has approved two funding issues for voters to consider at the Aug. 8 election. The issues have been revamped after voters rejected similar proposals in April.

In April, an $11 million bond issue to fund a new elementary school in the eastern portion of the district, an addition and renovations to R.O. Hawkins, and some new technology equipment throughout the district, was defeated in a 2,302-2,775 decision. About 55 percent of voters were against the bond issue, which included a 10-cents tax hike. A four-sevenths majority, or 57 percent, was needed to pass.

Voters won't consider funding for a new elementary school this time around. In August, voters will consider a $6 million bond issue to finance additions and renovations to the junior high.

The bond issue includes a 10-cent debt service levy increase to fund construction of 18 new classrooms, a new gymnasium and all-purpose room, an expanded kitchen area, parking lot upgrades and some new air conditioning and technology in the district.

A four-sevenths majority is needed to pass the measure.

Board members don't anticipate problems gaining approval for the bond issue.

"I don't think anyone disagrees that we need to improve the junior high," said board member Mark Baker. "We'll soon be up to a 950-enrollment at the junior high, and we've been there before, but I think everyone agrees it's not a good situation."

The board may have a tougher time gaining approval of a Proposition C rollback waiver and 40-cent tax levy increase. An identical proposal was voted down in April when 60 percent of voters rejected the proposal 1,983-2,995.

School board members were divided about bringing the issue out a second time. Gerald Adams, Darrell Hanschen and board president T. Wayne Lewis voiced support for the measure, calling any other amount a "Band-Aid effect." Vicky McDowell also supported the 40-cent tax hike but worried that August was too early to gain public support for either measure.

"Without a (40-cent increase) we won't be able to operate the district and we're going to have to be right back asking for more money next year," said Adams.

Board members Mark Baker and Jeannette Bollinger disagreed, saying voters would more likely support a lesser operating tax increase of 27 cents per $100 assessed valuation.