Buchanan Community Schools officials are not letting the potential of a bond to improve district buildings die.
After holding a community forum in July to discuss the $31 million bond proposal that failed in May, the district is asking parents and community members to take an online poll about the bond.
Depending on the results of the survey, the district might look at reintroducing a bond proposal in November or February, said Supt. Andrea van der Laan.
“When our bond failed in May, we wanted to know the reason behind it,” she said.
Van deer Laan said if another bond proposal is put before voters, it likely will be for the same amount.
“It’s not a case of extravagance,” she said. “It’s more of a need. We have leaky roofs, electrical and boiler issues. We need the infrastructure to get technology to students.”
A two-phase bond is a possibility, though, where funding for the middle school would come first and the elementary schools in a second phase.
“It depends on what the community says,” van der Laan said.
A community forum is likely to be scheduled after the results of the survey are reviewed at the end of July. The online survey will be on the Buchanan Community Schools’ website until Friday.
The bond proposed in May would have funded expansions at Ottawa Elementary and the middle school and building upgrades at Moccasin Elementary. It also would have helped improve the infrastructure of the schools to support new technology.
The school board voted to close Stark Elementary last month as a cost-saving measure and will introduce grade level centers in the fall.
To submit a survey, visit www.buchananschools.com.