Today, voters in Ashdown School District will decide on $12.3 million in bonds for school improvements, including construction of a new elementary school.
In the proposal, three campuses would be consolidated on the campus of Margaret Daniel Primary, which was built in 1981, with renovations being done to that building. L.F. Henderson Intermediate, built in 1950 with an addition in 1965, would possibly be donated to the City of Ashdown, with C.D. Franks Elementary, built in 1971, being demolished.
A new building would be constructed on the Margaret Daniel campus, and officials say a new structure would not only eliminate thousands in maintenance costs, but would also allow for technology upgrades students need to compete in today's global economy.
"The main thing is age," said Dean Lillard, the district's maintenance and facilities director. "Henderson is 51 years old and built like an old house. There's one plug in in each wall. Technology has advanced since then."
Also with the buildings being older, Lillard said there is a certain amount of asbestos in them, plus they are maintaining older electrical and plumbing systems that are taking district dollars away from technological upgrades they could be doing. Superintendent Jason Sanders said they are also spending a lot of taxpayer money on maintaining of multiple roofs.
"All of them are aging and getting older," he said. "I've spent $80,000 on the roofs for the past two years."
Consolidating the schools under one roof makes the most sense, Sanders said, as the new building would not only bring the ability to increase the presence of technology in the classrooms, but it would also be safer for the children.
"The question is what's the best answer for these children?" he asked. "A new building is a far better use of taxpayer dollars."
Architect Craig Boone with Architecture Plus of Fort Smith, Ark., said his design for the new building addresses both technology and security and provides a focal point entry for parents and visitor.
"The office entry is set where it's secure so if anybody comes to school after certain hours they have to come through the main foyer into office," he said. "That's keeping somebody from just walking off the street into the halls."
The 62- to 65,000 square foot building would have space for 675 students, with room to add on to accommodate up to 750 students. Estimated cost for the project is in the range of $9.2 million.
"We realize we're spending the community's money," Boon said of his design. "We have the responsibility to get what they need but not crazy designs. We are very conscious of the school's budget."
Boone has designed school buildings across the state, plus several in Oklahoma. He walks through a number of school buildings each year, seeing the maintenance and upkeep districts are putting in place to keep their buildings safe. He said L.F. Henderson, C.D. Franks and Margaret Daniel are beyond their life span and can only hold up for a certain amount of time.
"Their buildings are getting to an age and the community needs to start looking at doing renovations before they wake up one day and everything is 60 years old," he said. "You can't band-aid everything for so long."
Boone added that he believed the district's maintenance crews have done a very good job with what they have, and the district has gotten good use of the buildings.
"You can only paint and wash things so many times," he said. "They have not neglected their buildings. They have done the best they can with the resources they have."
Ashdown School District's millage sits at 35.7 mills. For every $100,000 of real estate value, the proposed increase would be $78 per year, an increase of $6.50. As of 2015, the state average is 37.7 mills.
The proposed 39.6 mills would also be used to renovate the Ashdown Junior High School, and includes a .9 mill salary increase to attract and retain teachers, something Sanders said is also needed to improve the district. That $180,000 in additional revenue would also be used to fund raises for existing teachers and staff, he said, with projections in the 2 to 3 percent range per employee.
Sanders reiterated that the choice lies with the community, also pointing out that parents have the option to send their children to school elsewhere.
"Parents have school choice," Sanders said. "Every other school touching us has invested in their elementary facilities with millions of dollars. Their facilities are more safe, adequate and suitable than ours."
If the bond proposition does not pass, Sanders said he would be disappointed.
"We would respect the decision of the voters," he said. "Even if I do have this building to take care of, it will be the best looking 66-year-old building in the state of Arkansas. If it passes, we are building a very safe, suitable, adequate and efficient building."