SCOTT COUNTY R-4 HAS BOND ISSUE ON BALLOT

BENTON -- Scott County R-4 School District voters will decide Tuesday if the Kelly school board needs a $4.5 million bond proposal to build and furnish a new high school.

School superintendent Don Abner said a new high school is needed because the district's enrollment has outgrown the high school's capacity. The district has had gains in enrollment of as much as 5 percent annually since 1993.

"It's certainly outgrown the initial design," said Abner. "There is crowding in the cafeteria and hallways, and we are currently using five mobile units."

The proposed high school would allow for future expansion of at least 500 students. The building would include 20 classrooms, a multi-purpose area, science lab and educational storage.

"It would allow us to do more for our students," said Abner. "For example, we don't have much of a science lab right now, and that's something our students will need exposure to for college and other experiences."

A building committee of faculty, parents and students developed the bond issue proposal. The bond would be repaid over 20 years.

The district's operating levy is the lowest in Scott County at $2.66, and its debt service at 49 cents is one of the lowest in the county.

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