Loyal holding March 7 school referendum open house

With only one month left before Loyal School District voters make a decision on an $11.7 million school expansion/ renovation project, the school is planning two open houses to let taxpayers see the needs and gather information. The first of those open houses will be on March 7, from 7-8:30 p.m., and the second will be on March 21, also from 7-8:30 p.m.

School officials and firms involved with the design, construction and financial ends of the proposed project will be on hand in the middle/high school gym to talk with residents about details. Tours of the building will also be given so voters can get first-hand looks at what identified space/renovation needs are and what a construction project would change. The district Board of Education in December approved an April 5 referendum question that will ask taxpayers if they support spending $11.7 million on a variety of upgrades that would enhance school safety and security, expand and modernize the technology and agriculture education areas, and a build a new commons/cafeteria/ central office area. The project as proposed would also renovate space for 4-year-old and 5-year-old kindergarten programs, art, special education, and elementary physical education and multi-purpose space.

The Board based the proposed project on feedback it received from residents who participated in a survey last fall. Projects to improve educational spaces received the most support from the survey respondents, while less priority was given to proposals to improve outdoor facilities such as football/baseball/softball fields and a track and field area. The Board also chose to limit the referendum question to less than $12 million as survey respondents indicated they would not support a higher cost.