Renovation and Referendum, part deux

It's all very exciting! At last month's regular meeting the board held a "1028 hearing," in which we authorized putting a question on the Nov. 2 ballot in which the community will vote on a building renovation project.

These renovations have been in the research and planning stage for some time, but until the 1028 hearing, nothing was official. But it's official now, and the next few months will be spent continuing to educate voters and the community about the importance of these projects for the future of the Lebanon schools.

I'll post more details shortly (and I've written about it previously here), but these are the basics: The board approved bonds not to exceed $40 million, to complete a major renovation of Lebanon High School, a new HVAC (that's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system at Central Elementary, a secure entry at LMS, a new roof at Hattie B. Stokes Elementary, and updated security measures at all LCSC buildings (mainly surveillance cameras).

Here are some key facts to remember:

• Because of debt coming off the books over the next few years, we will be able to do these projects without raising the school tax rate.
• Updates to the buildings (including new windows at LHS and new HVAC at LHS and Central) will result in utility savings of $330,000 every year. These are general fund dollars that will be much better spent in our classrooms!
• The renovation to LHS will give us 20-30 years more of useful life for that building.
• LCSC taxes have dropped dramatically in recent years, from $1.76 (per $100 of assessed value) in 2006 to $1.12 in 2010. This is a drop of 36%, and the proposed renovation will not raise the tax rate.
• LCSC has a history of building responsibly. This project continues that tradition, and is designed to address safety, security, educational needs, and energy savings. It is not a plan for a huge new stadium, or an architect's dream project.
  

A group of community members is coming together to promote this project, and I'll provide a link to their web site very soon. Because of new laws, we cannot go forward with these projects unless the community votes YES! on November 2. I hope you will, and I hope you'll encourage your neighbors to learn about the project and support it!