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Wednesday, 10 March 2010 |
Brian Golden — Superintendent
As we approach Tuesday, March 9th, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers from our staff, community, and local businesses who have taken part in this millage campaign.
Many staff members and community members have volunteered their time on phone bank nights, with community presentations, and at community meetings. Several local businesses have donated to the Millage Finance Committee to fund the campaign efforts. The district and I truly appreciate your assistance and support.
I would also like to address some other concerns or statements that have surfaced over the last days. With a successful millage election, the district has plans to establish a new access or driveway to Walco Road on the east side of our Moline property. This driveway will lead to the new high school. The expense and construction of this driveway is included in the millage increase. The driveway will be under the supervision of the district. The cost of the road is only in the estimate stage. The estimate for the driveway is in the area of $250,000, not $1 million. Again, the cost of construction and supervision of the project is included in the millage increase. All permits that need to be obtained will be the responsibility of the district. This new access will not be a responsibility of the city.
The cost of the millage increase is 6.9 mills, not 6.9% of your current property taxes. There is a huge difference between the two. The increase on $50,000 of assessed property is $69 per year, and the cost on $150,000 of assessed property is $207 per year. This cost ranges from $0.20 to $0.58 daily. Renters will not be affected by the millage increase.
The district’s administration and board of directors believe that our students and the community will benefit from a new school. Vacating 50 and 60 year old buildings that have large mechanical issues as well as other issues will enhance our students’ educational opportunities in many ways. Documentation shows the new high school property and the additional Moline property are not in the 500 year floodplain.
Some other information has been misconstrued and even misquoted. The information I have stated through my columns or in public forums has been discussed or documented through the Division of Facilities and Transportation, financial advisors, architects, or other districts that have been in similar facility situations as ours. I cannot speak to the future of the district concerning our facilities if the millage does not pass. I can only speak in terms of possibilities, and that is what I have done when questioned. As I have stated before, the possibilities will primarily be up to the Division of Facilities and Transportation and the Department of Education. Hopefully next week, that will not be an issue.
The last issue I want to address concerns the future of the MJHS and Pratt properties if there is a successful millage vote. The district will again work with the Division of Facilities and Transportation in terms of their rules and regulations. More than likely, the Division will require the district to demolish MJHS and Pratt before attempting to sell the properties. One thing is for sure, the district will not utilize these buildings as educational facilities with a successful millage vote.
Early voting starts this week at the courthouse from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. through Monday, March 8th. Tuesday, March 9th, is Election Day. The polling locations are listed below.
Malvern Ward 1 – AME Church Carthage – City Hall
Big Creek & Dover – Country Club
Malvern Ward 3 – 1st Baptist Church Clear Creek & Harrison – Lono/Rolla Fire Department
Malvern Ward 2 & Fenter A – MHS Auditorium
Butterfield, Fenter B, Malvern Ward 4, & Rockport – Sr. Adult Center
Antioch & Lone Hill – Southwest Fire Department
Midway, Midway City, Ouachita, & Prairie – Taylor’s Chapel Church
Fenter C & Perla – Wilson Intermediate School
(Brian Golden is the superintendent of the Malvern School District. He writes a monthly column for the Malvern Daily Record)
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 17 March 2010 )
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