Majority support holding referendum
By Holly Neumann
The Manawa School Board recently discussed the results of the School Perceptions Survey.
Nearly 330 people from the district responded to it.
A majority of staff, taxpayers and parents felt that the district should pursue a referendum to update the schools.
The proposal they were given was for a $15 million investment. The plan included $10.9 million for improvements at the high school and $4.1 million at the elementary school.
If the referendum passed, taxpayers would see a tax increase of $47 per $100,000 of property value.
According to Bill Foster from School Perceptions, if this referendum were to be held today, only 45.25 percent of the people responding would vote in favor of it.
Addition projects could include $2.6 million to update building systems, $278,000 to demolish the vacant school, $642,000 to expand the stage and music area, $888,000 to remodel locker rooms, $210,000 for maintenance shed, $2 million for a full-sized gym and $345,000 to improve the athletic complex, for a total cost of an additional $7 million.
If additional funding was made available the tax impact per $100,000 of property value would be: $64 for $16 million, $98 for $18 million, $131 for $20 million and $165 for $22 million.
According to the results of the survey, Manawa voters would only support a referendum for less than $15 million.
Board member Russ Johnson asked whether or not trust plays a part in this.
Foster stated this varies from district to district.
“I do feel that with your district, that there were things that happened before this entire board and administration was here,” he said. “There is a trust imperative, I think this creates somewhat of a road block. You have to rebuild that trust.”
Foster suggested that the board go back to the drawing board and come up with a plan B for $12 million or less.
“As you think about where you want to move for plan B, try to stay as close to zero for a tax impact as you possibly can,” he said.
District Administrator Melanie Oppor thanked all the citizens who took time to complete the survey.
“Your voices are being heard,” she said. “I am encouraged that the district community is interested in investing in the long-term sustainability and proud legacy of the School District of Manawa. In the coming weeks, district personnel and the Board of Education will be working with consultants to design a proposal that is responsive to taxpayer preferences indicated in the survey results.”
According to Oppor a base plan in the $12 million range will be developed that includes an emphasis on school safety, ADA accessibility, aging systems, technology infrastructure, and learning spaces.
“The goal is to keep the tax rate stable while continuing to offer all district students a top-notch education,” she said.