Board hears of support for levy

A new, six-lane all-weather track and new football stadium are planned.
By MARY SMITH
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
McDONALD -- The school district's superintendent says he has been getting positive feedback from residents as the board attempts to muster support for a crucial school levy.
The 4.5-mill continuous permanent improvement levy to finance a $2.4 million sports complex and make repairs to other sports facilities is on the primary ballot next Tuesday.
Voters turned down a 4.9-mill continuous levy last November.
A levy committee consisting of 23 residents, board members and school staff has met four times and passed out levy information to voters.
Superintendent Michael Wasser told the board at its meeting Monday that he already has had a lot of positive feedback on the levy and offered his thanks to the levy committee and the board for the work it has done leading up to next week's election.
"If we could win this election I would be overjoyed," Wasser said, noting that the facilities planned will be used for years to come.
Planned improvements
If the levy is approved, plans call for renovation of the high school gymnasium floor, installation of new bleachers, addition of a new scoreboard and sound system, replacement of all lockers and general finishing, at an estimated cost of $150,000.
Replacement of all lockers in the pool area, installation of no-slip tile floor, and remodeling of shower rooms will total $50,000.
There will be a new football stadium, new press box, new concession stand and bathrooms, new scoreboard and sound system, new lights, fencing and sod field for $1.1 million.
A six-lane all-weather track, a high jump area, and a shot put and discus area will be constructed for $325,000.
Levy money also would be used to build a new bus garage, pave two new parking lots, install new sidewalks, add new security lights, and improve the old Roosevelt property for athletic and band practice fields.
The new all-weather track will be available to all village residents for walking and jogging. Special lighting will be installed for nighttime access.
The new gymnasium bleachers will have aisle ways, handrails and access for the handicapped.
The committee noted in its newsletter to voters: "When this project is complete, McDonald will have a school complex that rivals any in the state."
To replace 2-mill levy
The 4.5-mill levy will replace a current 2-mill permanent improvement levy. The project is expected to be paid off in 20 years, and the levy will collect the same dollar amount over that period. As property rates increase, the millage rate will decrease.
The district has determined that the estimated cost of the levy per household is an additional $53.59 a year for a $50,000 home; $80.30 a year for a $75,000 house; $107.19 a year for a $100,000 house; $160.79 a year for a $150,000 house; $214.39 a year for a $200,000 house; and $267.99 for a $250,000 home.