Board Considering Bond, Tax Election

Existing Tax Would Fund Renovations; New Tax Would Pay For Salary Increase

CENTRAL —  Central schools Supt. Mike Faulk has asked the Central Community School Board to consider placing on the October election ballot four bond and tax proposals to fund the next steps in his plan to upgrade the Central school system.

Faulk is proposing three bond issues for capital improvements.  These would be funded by existing taxes and would not represent a tax increase.  However, he also wants the board to consider a fourth proposal, a salary increase for teachers and school employees, which would be funded by a six-mill property tax increase.  Faulk issued the following explanation of his proposals:

Currently $16.2 million dollars are available in increased bonding capacity from the millage approved by voters in the election held in 2009. Voters must approve the issuing of additional bonds.

The current millage of 23.65 would remain and there would be no increase in property taxes. There would be three individual propositions. Those propositions would be:

PROPOSITION 1: Up to $5.0 million in General Obligation Bonds to renovate portions of the former Central Middle School for Central Office Operations, Alternative/Discipline Center, Central Purchasing and Receiving, Technology Operations, demolition of buildings for which no further use is warranted,  removal of asbestos where necessary, and dressing up of parking areas for offices and sporting events.

PROPOSITION 2: Up to $8.5 million in General Obligation Bonds to construct a Ninth Grade Academy, improve parking areas, upgrade technology capacity and provide lighting for athletic fields at Central High School.

PROPOSITION 3: Up to $2.5 million in General Obligation Bonds to fund increased bandwidth, increased technology capacity district-wide, increased purchase of hardware and software.

PROPOSITION 4: Would require a 10-year six-mill property tax. This new tax would fund salary supplements and related benefits as follows:

• $1,500 for classroom teachers and instructional personnel dealing directly with children.

• $1,000 for personnel whose job requires a college degree.

• $750 for support personnel who work more than 9 months

• $500 for 9 month support personnel

*Any excess funds generated will be dedicated to offset the Unfunded Accrued Liability for Health Insurance.

*This would return the property tax rate to an amount still less than the original tax rate in 2007.