The Knox School Board has taken its first officials steps toward financing a potential building project. Board members passed a series of bond-related resolutions Monday.
The first outlined the estimated project costs and tax impact. The project itself is expected to cost under $20 million. Due to the timing of the school corporation’s debt being paid off, propoerty tax rates are not anticipated to increase beyond their current level.
A separate preliminary determination resolution set the maximum annual lease payment and other financial terms. The final resolution allowed the school corporation to potentially pay for certain preliminary expenses out of its existing funds and then reimburse that money once the bonds are sold.
The project calls for the demolition of the elementary school’s Palmer Wing, and the construction of a new addition extending south from the newer portion of the school. The high school would get a couple additions on its north side to house vocational programs and a multipurpose room. Meanwhile, the corporation office and Redskin Academy would move to the middle school.
The proposal also calls for the reconfiguration of the school corporation’s parking lots, to improve traffic flow and safety. Redskin Trail could be closed. All three schools would get secure entries.
Monday’s public hearing on the project drew comments of support from representatives with LaPorte-Starke-Pulaski Building Trades and the Foundation for Fair Contracting.
