GRAVETTE — In a special election scheduled on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, voters in GravetteSchool District 20 will be asked to approve restructuring debt to finance improvements in the District facilities.

The measure does not involve an increase in the present low millage of the district, 37.2 mills, one of the lowest among northwest Arkansas schools. There will be no increase in taxes.

“The projects under consideration include construction of new middle school classrooms forspecial education selfcontained classrooms; a family and consumer science classroom; art classes; a science classroom and laboratory; three general purpose classrooms; and a school building administration classroom for the middle school,” a school news release noted.

Currently, the middle school students transition from one building to another every day, which requires crossing a street.

“For the safety and security of our children we desire to relocate all middle school students in one facility,” the board release said.

Space in the proposed complex will also bring the district in full compliance with federal and state mandates for special education students.

The plan involves removing the east-west wing of the old school building, which adjoins the middle school, and replacing it with the new wing. The north-south old high school building wing will be retained. It connects with the new music building completed two years ago. That old wing will be replaced when additional funds become available.

In addition to the building program, the plan includes construction of a ball field complex for baseball and softball programs. The facilities will be located on the high school campus. They will complete the vision established in 2005 to fulfill development of the 67 acre high school site.

Briefly, the election seeks voter approval to restructure three existing bond issues which will extend collection of the district’s existing debt service mills for five years. It will not involve any increase in the present millage rate or increase in taxes, the board emphasized.

Voting will be held Tuesday, Feb. 14, from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the following polling sites: Gravette Civic Center, Highlands Church in Bella Vista, Hiwasse Fire Station/Community Building, and Sulphur Springs Community Building.

Early voting at the office of the County Clerk in Bentonville will begin Feb. 7 and continue through Feb. 13. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

News, Pages 3 on 01/25/2012