Freeman measure seeks $11.7 million

A measure to remodel two schools will be put before voters in the Freeman School District May 17.

The district is proposing a 15-year $11.7 million construction bond to pay for the renovation of the elementary school and the high school.

Work includes two new classrooms at the elementary school, four new classrooms and a gymnasium at the high school, and the addition of handicap accessibility at both schools.

Both schools will also receive an overhaul of the electrical and mechanical systems, new roofing and insulation, improved exterior walls, windows and doors, and improved interior finishing and furnishings.

The district has not yet calculated how much the measure would cost homeowners per $1,000 assessed valuation, said Superintendent Bill Thurston.

“We’re still trying to figure that out,” Thurston said Friday.

The state has already agreed to pay $6.9 million in matching funds – $4.4 million for the high school and $2.5 million for the elementary school.

Voters rejected an $8 million school-renovation bond in the spring of 2002, and again in the fall of that same year.

The bond was aimed at an extensive three-phase remodel of the high school, elementary school and middle school.

Thurston said the previous bond proposals did not include matching state funds to help pay for the costs of the elementary school remodel, and is hopeful it will make a difference this time around.

The last vote in November 2002 was short by only 26 votes.