Pettisville sets Monday sessions on levy, proposal for new school
10/8/2008PETTISVILLE - The local school district will host information sessions regarding its 7.86-mill bond levy and proposed building project this Monday and every Monday until the Nov. 4 election.
The district is seeking support to build a 97,618-square-foot combined primary and secondary school building. The state has agreed to provide 82 percent of the funding for the $21.4 million project.
The levy will generate $3.8 million in local funding plus 5 percent interest over 28 years. As required to receive state funding, the levy also would reserve 0.5 mills for facilities maintenance, to be collected on a continuing basis.
The levy would cost the owner of a $100,000 home $240 annually. Those older than 65 will not be taxed on the first $25,000 of home valuation, Superintendent Stephen Switzer said.
"I think it's an excellent opportunity to put the district's facilities in the place they need to be in the future," he said. "We have an 82-to-18 percent match and those aren't out there anymore."
The building would feature larger classrooms, video surveillance, geothermal heating and cooling, and a combined cafeteria-auditorium with seating for 600. It would replace the district's current school, built in 1929. Newer portions of the old school will be preserved, Mr. Switzer said.
The building would go up at the current school site on South Street. The district would demolish the building except for the varsity gym, library addition, and part of the elementary wing.
If the levy passes, the district hopes to begin construction in the summer, Mr. Switzer said.
The "Monday Meetings" will begin at 7 p.m. with a brief introduction, followed by a question and answer period. The meetings will be held at Pettisville School, with the exception of the Oct. 13 meeting, which will be held at Tedrow Mennonite Church, 252 Windish St. in Wauseon.