Vote tonight on MUSD”s $15.3 million bond measure
John Lindblom – Record-Bee staff
MIDDLETOWN ? The Middletown Unified School District board will vote tonight on placing a $15.3 million bond measure on the Nov. 7 Lake County ballot. The bond would cover the majority of costs for a new Minnie Cannon Elementary School, which currently shares space with Middletown high nd middle schools.
Additional funds for a projected $33.86 million in facilities needed over the next 10 years would come from developer fees and a state grant for new construction. Developer fees in the rapidly growing district over the next decade are projected at $5.63 million, or about $563,000 per year. The district is eligible for approximately $4.58 million in new construction funding from the state, depending on its ability to accomplish a series of tasks prior to March 2007, including approved plans for the facilities. Another $626,000 could be accessed from the state through modernization funding.
The new elementary school would be located on a 10-acre site in the Vintage Faire subdivision development across Highway 29 from the Middletown school complex. As the highest priority project in the facilities need program, it is estimated that the relocated elementary school would cost approximately $11.57 million (in 2008 dollars) to build. The funds would cover site development, construction of support facilities and 14 classrooms, furniture and equipment.
In addition to providing more classroom space for elementary grades, a relocated Minnie Cannon school would free up space for Middletown Middle School, which could be converted for about $329,000 (in 2008 dollars).
Passage of the bond measure would require 55 percent approval with $11.3 million to be issued in 2007 and the remaining $4 million in 2009.
The growing enrollment in elementary schools has been identified as MUSD”s most pressing concern. So, the highest priority has been placed on new construction and improvements at the district”s three elementary schools. Initial funding would go toward technology/hardware upgrades at all of the district”s regular education schools (except Minnie Cannon), a new wing with a basketball court and improvements to the multi-purpose building at Coyote Valley Elementary, and improvements to the administration/library and multi-purpose building at Cobb Elementary.
Additionally, funding would cover a new HVAC system at Middletown Middle School”s gymnasium and stadium improvements, including a new all-weather track, new bleachers and a press box at Middletown High School.
Contact John Lindblom at jlwordsmith@mchsi.com.
