Voting for bond issue to take place February 7

by Vincent Bushong 

After two unpassed attempts, the Montezuma board hopes the third time is a charm as a petition has been passed to get a bond issue for the school on the ballots for the third time in two years. The vote will take place on Feb. 7, 2012. 

The Montezuma board has tried for the past two years to pass a bond issue that would allow for funds to be raised for improvements to the school, first in Sept. 2010, next in April 2011. Now the board has brought it back by obtaining signatures of residents of the Montezuma Community School District to bring the item to a vote. 60% of voters will need to vote yes in order for the bond issue to pass.

This bond issue is to make $6.7 million available for the improvement of our school. This amount is nearly half of the first proposed bond issue, which was $11.5 million. The second bond issue was also lowered, bringing it down to $8.5 million. 

The board has laid out priorities for the different advancements of the school to ensure that the largest projects are completed.

 The first priority is improving the school’s infrastructure, including improved heating and installing air conditioning, upgrading the plumbing system, improving the electrical system and retrofitting the lighting. 

After that, upgrades to the safety and communications systems will be implemented, including a functioning bell system and changes to the school clocks, phones, fire alarms and intercom system. 

Classroom remodeling is third on the agenda, which will bring updates to the floors, ceilings, cabinets and other general building elements. Any remaining resources will be used to update classroom furniture. 

If the bond issue is passed, it will take two years to fully integrate the changes. Year one will include upgrades in the elementary and junior high, and year two will bring change to the high school facility. 

The effects of the bond issue will create a better environment for the students’ education.  

Montezuma high school teacher Allison Pargeon said, “I think the bond issue is all about the students at Montezuma. They deserve the best for their efforts to be successful. This is our way of giving back.”