Voters Approve Bond Issue
by Erin Albanese, School News Network
Kelloggsville High School students will have a completely renovated high school, thanks to voters’ approval, 334 to126, of a $33.9 million bond issue Feb 24.
Administrators will now begin working with architects on construction details and project timelines to span the next three years, said Superintendent Sam Wright. Work will include a major building redesign at the high school, 23 Jean St. SW, and other facility improvements.
Some work will get started this summer, but the majority will likely begin next spring.
The bulk of the request — $27 million — will go toward high school improvements including demolition of a 1930s wing, and a large addition. A courtyard area will become six new classrooms. The parking lot will be reconfigured and the entrance of the school changed from Jean Street to Division Avenue. Students will be able to exit the school at the 48th Street stoplight.
Wright said he looks forward to opening an up-to-date high school designed for the future and outfitted for the latest technology.
“It will be a very nice building for students to go to school and for the community to use as well,” Wright said.
A new competitive-sized gymnasium will host varsity games, currently held at Kelloggsville Middle School, and allow for more practice space; the auditorium will receive theater-style seating for 480; a media center will serve as a hub for learning and community center. Use of facilities will be open to the public.
Homeowners could actually see a decrease in their property tax bills because the district’s past debt is expiring. Passage of the bond decreases the current levy from 7.32 to 7.25 mills.
The 156-year-old district last approved bond issues in 1998 to remodel the high school cafeteria and lobby area, and in 1994 to build Kelloggsville Middle School, 4650 Division Ave.
About $3 million in improvements are planned at other district facilities, mainly to enhance security, Wright said.
