BUCHANAN — Will the third time be the charm?

Buchanan Community Schools officials hope so in the case of $14.9 million bond proposal that will appear on the ballot of a special election in May.

Voters struck down the school’s last two bond proposals, including a more expensive one last February by a slim margin — 1,139 to 956.

This bond proposal is different. It won’t increase taxes.

Instead, it is asking voters to extend the current millage rate for 20 years, or until 2033, generating $14.9 million. The millage rate is set to expire in 2019.

“We are not asking to raise taxes, we are asking to extend what you are currently doing,” said Supt. Andrea van der Laan.

The majority of the bond revenue would go towards an overhaul of the middle school, including walls, windows, boilers and electrical. The current cafeteria/gym would be made into a lunchroom and a separate gym would be built. The administration offices would be moved to the front for safety.

“We want to do it (middle school improvements) right the first time, so we don’t have to come back to the voters later,” she said.

Money would also go to secure entrances at all of the district’s buildings. Van der Laan said that would mean moving all offices to the entrance of each building, so visitors would have to go through an office before entering the school.

The bond language is up for vote at Monday’s school board meeting.

A special election is scheduled for May 7.