MEADOW HEIGHTS VOTERS FACE $750,000 BOND ISSUE PROPOSAL

PATTON -- Improving education isn't always done by adding more classes, programs and computers. Members of the Meadow Heights Board of Education want to enrich their students' education with $750,000 in building improvements.

Voters in this northern Bollinger County district will head to the polls Tuesday to decide whether a $750,000 bond issue is needed. They also will select three candidates to fill three-year terms on the board. Six people have filed for office. Board member Millie Yates did not seek re-election.

The candidates include incumbents Dennis Mouser and Sandy Raines, June Long, Scott Mayfield, Mike Reagan and Mike Welker.

Polling places are open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m.

At a January meeting, all seven school board members agreed that building improvements and renovations are necessary. They unanimously voted to put the bond issue on the April 2 ballot.

The bond issue will not raise any taxes in the district. It is a 13-year extension of an existing 50-cent tax levy that was approved in 1983.

"It is our belief that these renovations will greatly enhance the classroom atmosphere and learning environment for our students," the board said in a letter to the community. "These renovations and improvements are also essential to ensure that the district can maximize the future use of these existing buildings."

Most of the improvements are needed at the high school where no major renovations have been made in at least 27 years.

Homeowners renovate looking for ways to conserve energy and now the school district wants to do the same, said Judy Wilfong, co-chairman of the Citizens Supporting Meadow Heights Improvements committee.

Patton residents formed the 12-member committee to encourage voters to support the bond issue. Maxine Fulton, another committee member, said the group wants to do something positive for the school.

"I've always supported the school and been affirmative," Wilfong said. "We need a school where students can get ready for the world."

If voters approve the bond issue, the money will be used to replace the roof and the heating and air conditioning systems at the high school and add air conditioning at high school and elementary school areas currently without it, replace light fixtures with more energy efficient ones, replace old windows, soundproof the band room, install ramps and make other improvements needed to meet requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

All renovations could be complete by the end of summer, said board president Roy Allen.