Web posted
Monday, October 22, 2007
Schools may set date for referendum
By FOSS FARRAR
Traveler Staff Writer
The Arkansas City Board of Education tonight may set a new date for its bond referendum. The board is expected to authorize the development of a new bond resolution for a $36 million school facilities improvement project.
The regular USD 470 meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at IXL Elementary School.
Ark City schools spokeswoman Alicia Call said today the only change she anticipates the board will consider is the date of the bond election. It previously had been set for Nov. 5, but was postponed. March 4, 2008 has been discussed.
But no change in the scope of the project is expected, Call said.
At a special meeting Oct. 5, the board repealed the original bond resolution setting the Nov. 5 election date because citizens leading the campaign in favor of the bond issue said they needed more time to inform the public of all the issues involving the massive project.
Schools Superintendent Ron Ballard will discuss the issue with the board at tonight's meeting, according to agenda notes. Also present will be Greg Vahrenberg, representative of Piper-Jaffray, the bond counsel hired by the district.
Ballard has said that the board may consider a mail ballot election.
Although a mail ballot election would be expensive , Ballard said such an election might bring about a more favorable outcome for the bond issue than a traditional election would.
The administration recommends that the board authorize development of a new bond resolution to be presented to the board at its Nov. 12 meeting, according to agenda notes.
In other items on tonight's agenda, the board will consider:
* Board of education policies for handbooks.
* Reviewing proposed Kansas Association of School Board resolution and policy amendments, and direct support for opposition to these issues by board member Daren Reese. He is the USD 470 delegate to the assembly and is authorized to speak on behalf of the local school board.
* Discuss the 2008-09 school calendar.
* Hear a report from administrators and staff of IXL Elementary School.
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