GRAVETTE — A special meeting of the Gravette School Board last Thursday evolved into an informational learning session as the district’s bond counsel presented several funding ideas for future building projects.
Buster Beardsley, with First Security, a Little Rock firm, presented such options for the board to consider.
The board made no decisions, superintendent Andrea Kelly said, but the discussion resulted in asking for more information and direction as how to best accommodate future building needs.
The board has been considering how best to plan use of existing buildings and how tomove forward on additions on the high school campus.
Primary in the discussion has been reconfiguration of space in the old high school and new construction to be utilized by the middle school.
How to finance those projects, which are still in the talking stage, and how to move forward with the addition of planned ball fields at the high school campus are the primary topics the board will continue to address.
A new high school gymnasium is not included in the current discussion phase, Kelly noted.
Funding Sources
The superintendent said Beardsley presented several potential funding sources, including the refunding of existing bonds, applying for “qualifiedzone” loan funds and possibly submitting an application for second-lien bonds.
Because of the uncertainty of the nation’s finance markets, the board has leaned toward making as many improvements and upgrades as possible without asking patrons for any increase in the district millage rate.
Kelly noted, however, that because of the large increase in the number of middle school students, grades 7-10, that a “bubble could exist” when those students move into the high school area which could require additional classroom space.
The new high school was designed for such an addition if such becomes necessary, she said.
The architecture firm, Crafton-Tull, has presented options for the board to consider, including remodeling or reconfiguring portions of the old high school which joins the middle school complex. Demolition of some portions of that older building could also be considered to accommodate construction of larger classrooms.
Class Meets in Gym
At present, one middle school science class meets in the competition gymnasium, and several other departments utilize space in the old high school rooms. Small room size in that building poses problems to properly provide adequate space, Kelly noted.
She emphasized that “the board discussion hascentered on staying within a funding mechanism that will not require a millage increase at this time.” However, she cautioned that if additional classroom space is required at the high school, an increase in millage might be needed.
The board requested Beardsley bring additional information to the body for further discussion and consideration before a final decision is reached.
News, Pages 1 on 08/24/2011