As the biennial school election draws near, discussion of the $20 million bond issue requested by the Greene County Community School District is taking place in most parts of the county.
The project would add space to the existing elementary school on E. Russell St in Jefferson and create a campus for grades 5-12 at the current high school. The district would operate only those two attendance centers, both in Jefferson.
In response to questions from the public, school superintendent Tim Christensen has provided a breakdown of project costs.
Total cost of the project is $22.8 million, with $2.8 million funded by the current voter approved physical plant and equipment levy (PPEL).
New construction for the 5-12 building is the largest portion of the project at $14.5 million. Of that, $7.35 million is new 9-12 classrooms and $1.35 million is new classroom space on the west end of the building. (The current one-story portion of the building would house grades 5-8). Cost for a new gymnasium is $4 million.
The proposed geothermal heating/cooling system at the 5-12 building is estimated at $3 million. A total of $20.8 million would be spent at the 5-12 location. A new high school office and a new district office (superintendent, business office, etc) is estimated at a total of $1 million.
New classroom space a the elementary school is estimated at $1.1 million, with a total of $1.5 million spent at the PK-4 building.
Construction of new classrooms makes up 43 percent of the total bond issue, with the competition gym being 18 percent. The geothermal system is 13 percent of the total project.
Architect fees and expenses total $1.45 million, 6.3 percent of the total project.
To see the entire breakdown, click here: Bond referendum cost breakdown
Informational meetings are scheduled for next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 6:30 pm at the Ram Restaurant at the high school in Jefferson. All voters who have not already attended a meeting or heard a presentation are encouraged to attend.
