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Special
hearing held on JCD renovation project
Beth
Rumsey
Staff Writer
Those living in the Jac-Cen-Del Community School district were
given an opportunity to learn more about the proposed renovation
project for the elementary and high schools in a special meeting
held on Tuesday, December 1.
According to corporation attorney Tim Day, the 1028 hearing was
held in accordance to Indiana law to allow those living in the
school district an opportunity to ask questions regarding the
project.
A lot of preparation and hard work was put into this project,
said Superintendent Bill Narwold. He said the seeds of the project
were first planted in 2003 in an effort to address the educational
needs of the students.
A feasibility study highlighted the needs for the buildings from
which a priority list was created and reviewed by the board. Public
meetings were conducted which allowed public input regarding the
needs for the school, according to Superintendent Narwold. The
students as well were given an opportunity to provide input regarding
their thoughts on the needs of the schools.
We feel that there will be several benefits, said
JCD Principal Johnny Budd, regarding the proposed project. According
to a study cited by Budd, students achieve higher performance
in better buildings.
Renovations proposed will include the construction of science
labs, a band room, and two fitness areas. The addition will provide
a central location for junior high classrooms.
The current cafeteria no longer provides room enough for students
during lunch hour. The proposed renovations will expand the cafeteria
into the current kitchen area, with a new kitchen constructed.
The estimated total cost of the project will be $6.3 million dollars.
This will result in a debt service fund tax rate of about $0.2968
per $100 of assessed value, according to Narwold.
After consideration of the information presented, the board unanimously
approved both the 1028 Resolution as well as the Preliminary Determination
Resolution. If there is no request for a referendum by the voters
within the school corporation, the project could begin as early
as summer 2010 with an anticipated completion by summer 2011.
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