Poland plans to replace 5 buildings with K-8 building

POLAND

The school board has confirmed that it intends to demolish old school buildings should voters next week approve a proposed bond issue, funds from which would be used to build a new K-8th grade school.

“Should the bond issue pass on Nov. 3, one of the persistent questions has to do with the fate of the current buildings. Although market forces could change and unanticipated alternatives could emerge, it is the present intention of the board of education to raze the five vacated buildings, but to do so in a way that meaningfully preserves items and artifacts of historical significance,” the board said in a statement Tuesday.

“We are confident that there are appropriate ways to meet objectives while properly honoring our history,” the release said. “By razing these buildings, preserving our heritage, and maintaining ownership of the property, the board believes that significant savings will result to our operating budget.”

The proposal that Poland voters will see on the ballot Nov. 3 asks for authorization for the school district to issue bonds – to be repaid over a maximum of 34 years – in the amount of $28,265,910, levy a 4-mill property tax over that bond period to pay debt charges and levy an additional 0.5-mill property tax for permanent improvements.

Read more about the plan in Wednesday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.