Bond election could be next step to replace Post Elementary

Oct. 15--POST -- A bond election to replace Post's fire-destroyed elementary school could increase the school district's tax rate by about 10 to 13 cents, Superintendent Mike Comeaux said Tuesday night.

The school board discussed holding a bond election but did not formally call for one -- that's likely to appear on an upcoming meeting agenda, Comeaux said.

In an early step toward eventually replacing the campus, they voted unanimously to award administrators permission to issue requests-for-qualifications for the project.

"My assumption is we're not gonna have enough insurance money to build a new building, and that could lead us to a bond issue," Comeaux said.

The home of the Antelopes still remains on the tail end of a list of projects from a 2012 bond election.

Board member Nancy McDonald said she's optimistic this one will also receive enough support to pass -- and to help the district obtain a new elementary school.

"I think the community will be behind us," she said.

An early morning blaze Sept. 21 devastated the west wing of the elementary campus, including 16 classrooms, two restrooms and some offices. As they watched the flames, local residents told A-J Media they were heartbroken about losing the building but relieved it occurred on a Sunday when school was not in session, so no one was injured.

Comeaux said replacing the wing that burned will cost about $2.7 million to $2.8 million. That's a conservative estimate because it counts only construction and not additional expenses such as furniture.

He listed three options for replacing the campus:

-- Salvage as much of the building as possible, and rebuild only what was completely destroyed.

-- Build a new campus with the same floor plan as the old one, with the auditorium attatched to the wing.

-- Establish a new campus with a new plan, including a separate, freestanding auditorium.

But first, asbestos abatement is necessary. Clark DeLavan lacked good news in his report about an early asbestos survey of the building. He described early results as "disturbing," and said more testing can help suggest which steps to take next.

"We would like to go back in that building and do some more sampling," he said. "With some additional testing, I believe we can come up with a solid game plan."

The school district received thousands in donations of cash and classroom supplies from individuals, businesses and organizations.

"Donations were unbelievable," Comeaux said. "It's been amazing what people have been willing to do."

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