Crest Ridge moves ahead with $3 million bond issue [The Daily Star-Journal, Warrensburg, Mo.]

Nov. 22--CENTERVIEW -- Crest Ridge School Board members voted Monday to put a $3 million bond issue before voters.

The April issue would cover $2.3 million for construction, and $700,000 worth of roof, grease trap, emergency alert system and plumbing repairs.

Before agreeing to move forward with the bond issue, board members discussed six renovation and construction options. Costs for the projects ranged from $700,000 to $3 million.

Board member Becky Brookshier said one plan, for $3 million, is the best option. For the price, possible additions include a safe room at the high school and elementary school, more classrooms, adding space for music and art rooms at the secondary school. The measure also would add hallways to bring the entire secondary school indoors and provide separation from sixth graders.

"If we are going to do it then we need to do it right and get everything done. We need to go for the Hail Mary pass and get it all so we don't have to do this again," she said.

Board member Tammy Shanks said she did not think voters would like a $3 million price tag.

"I know we really need all of this but that's a lot to ask of taxpayers," she said.

Board Vice President Scott Seigfried asked what Shanks would cut to help lower the cost.

"Honestly, I don't know," she said.

Board member Janet Everhart, who expressed concern about costs, said there are no luxuries in the construction plans.

"They are all needed things so there is not anything on there that I can easily mark off," she said.

Board member Tony Matthews said failure would hurt the district.

"I worry about what happens if it doesn't pass because then we still have $700,000 worth of repairs that must be done," he said.

Matthews asked which costs are most important.

"We need to decide if the $700,000, which we can get with no tax increase, is more important than the $3 million," he said.

Superintendent Julie Dill said the budget has no wiggle room to include needed repairs.

"The financial picture is not good," she said.

Dill said state and federal budget projections for next year could cut district funding by more than $300,000.

Board President Rick Schmidli said if the bond issue fails, then the tax levy would have to be raised in August, meaning voters would foot the bill either way.

"I know it's hard to do but it has to be done," he said. "And regardless if we just go after $700,000 or the $3 million, the roof won't get repaired until this is done anyway, so no matter what there is going to be a bucket in the hall."

Brookshier said voters should see the money as insurance.

"By us taking these measures we are making students more safe and people need to see it that way. ... I want the safest option possible because if something happened to my kid I would hate you all," she said.

The board approved the motion 5 to 2. Shanks and Matthews voted no.

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