The fate of an extensive renovation and expansion project to the Warren County R-III School District’s facilities is now in the hands of the voters.During its monthly meeting on Jan. 14, the school board approved a resolution calling for a special school bond election to be held Tuesday, April 5. Prior to the open session meeting, the board held a workshop to discuss the final details of the bond issue and ballot language.“That was a time for us to do a final prioritization of the projects listed in the bond,” said Board President Teresa Scott. “This way if we are to have extra funds, we know which projects take precedence over the others.”The bond calls for the district to borrow $10 million in an effort to make capital improvements to each of its five school buildings, as well as the bus and maintenance facilities. Scott says it’s important for the public to note that this is a no-tax-increase bond issue.“If this proposition is approved, the adjusted debt service levy of the school district is estimated to remain unchanged at 0.6189 per $100 of assessed valuation of real and personal property,” the district released in a statement.A representative from L.J. Hart and Company, which will provide the underwriting services, was present during the meeting to answer questions and clarify the ballot language.Listed as priorities are security vestibules at all school buildings, a new multipurpose facility at the high school and technology upgrades, among other improvements and repairs to the existing facilities.“We have concerns with the entrances at our buildings,” said Superintendent Dr. Jim Chandler, who asserts security and safety are of top priority.“There is also going to be work done with the HVAC systems, which relates to health concerns for our students and staff,” he said.In regards to the addition of a multipurpose gym adjacent to the one already present at the high school, Chandler says the current facilities cannot properly meet the needs of a growing enrollment.“At the high school, we are getting close to 1,000 students, and we don’t have enough gym space to accommodate everyone,” he said.The district’s Debt 3 Fund pays for all of its bonds, with this bond issue extending over a 10-year period.“We’re going to be committed and make sure we manage the money appropriately,” said Chandler. “We want to get the most for our $10 million.”School Bond