JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL ADDITION NEEDED

Next Tuesday, February 27, 2007, there is a $4.7 million school bond election scheduled to increase and improve the Treynor Junior-Senior High facilities and services. Superintendent KEVIN ELWOOD explained the number of students moving up from the elementary school will need more class room space. Additionally the total student population has been steadily growing about 3% annually, and this trend is expected to continue.

When K to 6th grade can no longer fit in the elementary school, the 6th grade would be transferred to the junior-senior building. If preschool education programs develop in ! the future, ELWOOD, stated, even the 5th grade might be moved. Thus there is a need for more class room space in the current junior-senior building.

Junior-Senior High School Principal JOEL BOHLKENS explained the bond issue allows for expansion of the building to the south, adding high school class and laboratory rooms, kitchen, commons-cafeteria, and offices. Renovation of the 1960s vintage section of the current building is planned. Also green space for outdoor activities will be rebuilt on newly acquired land south of the current school property.

ELWOOD noted that local option tax revenue can be used for the expansion, and the Treynor school district has a lower tax levy than most area districts. According to estimates the actual tax payer cost would be about $35 per $100,000 assessed valuation of a home and about $.50 per acre for $600 per acre assessed valuation of agricultural land.

School Board President JERRY HEMPEL explained there is a long range plan for another addition to the high school, but this shouldn’t be needed for 8 to 10 years in the future. But as the school district student numbers continue to grow, expansion of school facilities is inevitable.