Doniphan-Trumbull School District $17.5 million bond issue has narrow lead to be approved
DONIPHAN – The vote to approve a $17.5 million bond issue for the Doniphan-Trumbull School District has received 461 votes (52.69 percent), compared to 414 votes (47.31 percent) against the bond issue, a margin of 47 votes. There were 875 votes cast.
The results were posted on the Hall County Election Commissioner’s website at 1:49 a.m. Nov. 4. 24 of 24 precincts were reporting, with provisional votes outstanding.
The bond proposal was part of an approximately $20 million facility improvement project. The district plans to contribute an additional $2.5 million to the project from existing cash reserves.
The vote was
The district states that the bond is needed because several programs are operating in spaces not originally designed for instruction, while other areas are challenged by availability of classroom space and daily operations.
“The proposed project focuses on the needs identified as priorities through the planning and community feedback process, including classrooms and educational spaces, career and technical education, and cafeteria and kitchen improvements,” according to the Doniphan-Trumbull Public School bond website.
The proposed project includes around 35,000 square feet of new construction and 12,000 square feet of renovation.
“Includes approximately 35,000 square feet of new construction and 12,000 square feet of targeted renovation. Improvements include a new cafeteria and kitchen; modern CTE labs and updated classrooms supporting Ag, Metals, Woods, Business & Technology, and Health Sciences; additional classrooms in the main building; individual classrooms for special education; small-group and meeting spaces; and safety and security improvements,” the bond website stated.
The project would add 14 new classrooms and renovate six existing classrooms, along with four small group learning spaces and a renovated library.
“These improvements will provide more appropriate learning spaces for current programs and give students and staff greater flexibility for individual, small-group and classroom instruction,” according to the bond website.
“The design addresses current needs while providing room for future growth, allowing the school to accommodate up to 625 enrolled students and additional activities,” according to the bond website.
The project also has several safety, security and accessibility components to it.
New secure entrances and improved drop off areas would provide better security and improved accessibility for all students.
The project would also eliminate modular buildings that the district is using. The bond website states that, “the school becomes a unified and more secure environment where students can remain within a single building. This also simplifies teacher supervision between classes.”
“Students who use wheelchairs currently cannot access certain services and spaces, including Title reading and stage-based performances,” the bond website said.
The bond issue would be financed over a 20-year period. A tax levy calculator can be found on the bond website, but some general valuations for residential and agricultural land were provided.
For instance a residential property valued at $100,000 would see a $10.83 monthly increase and a $130.00 yearly increase.
Irrigated ag land would see a $7.02 cost per acre increase and a $1,123.20 cost per quarter increase.