R-1 Board studies no-tax hike bond option

NEW MADRID, Mo. - A no-tax-increase bond issue could fund improvements to school facilities, security and academics.

During a work session members of the New Madrid County R-1 School Board were presented with the option for a bond issue.

District Superintendent Dr. Sam Duncan said bond counsel advised because of the district’s balanced budget and recent efforts to pay off other bonds early, it could consider a no-tax-increase bond issue in 2020.

“We have been doing our homework and presented the numbers to the board of what it might look like,” he said.

According to Duncan funding would be used for infrastructure improvements at all five campuses in the district. This would include projects such as new roofs, new doors and tuck-pointing.

Following a security audit by a professional company, several suggestions were made on ways to improve building security, which could be funded through the bond issue, the superintendent added.

Bond money would be spent on academic needs including a renovation of the high school library to make it more accommodating for students and academic purposes, Duncan said.

Also during the work session, staff shared the outcomes from a community strategic planning meeting. More than 130 patrons from across the district provided input at the meeting.