Silo Schools is having a bond proposition election Tuesday, May 13 that if approved, will provide funds for building a high school with safe rooms, a cafeteria, gymnasium, lagoon and an early childhood classroom addition.
The amount of the bond is $52,640,000. It also would fund constructing, equipping, repairing and remodeling school buildings, plus obtaining furniture, fixtures and equipment. The bonds would have an interest not to exceed 10 percent per annum, payable semi-annually and to become due serially within 10 years from their date. The preliminary estimated property tax increase is 18 percent, according to Stephen H. McDonald and Associates Inc.
“There is no time more important for Silo Schools than right now,” Superintendent Kate McDonald said, in a letter. “The growth that our district has seen over recent years is truly remarkable. Over the years, we have done everything imaginable with our resources to create classrooms. We have maximized all additional space and need the community’s help.”
The high school would include 15 classrooms with three rooms acting as safe rooms, according to McDonald. The high school would have a secured entry vestibule to be connected to the cafeteria/ gym with a covered walkway. The cafeteria part would be opposite of the concession area and the lobby would be used as the dining area with tables that could be stowed away for the lobby to be used for events.
“Our current cafeteria will remain in use for lower grades,” McDonald said. “The gymnasium will have a seating capacity for 1,202, including retractable seating that will allow for risers to be brought in for special occasions such as graduation. The gym will also include two classrooms that can be used to house our aviation and STEM programs. Locker rooms will serve as safe rooms in the gym as well.”
McDonald said two classrooms would be added to the Early Childhood building. This building has the same problems as other buildings in that every room, storage area and stage has been turned into classrooms, according to McDonald.
She said there will be a sewer lagoon addition, something that is necessary to remain in capacity compliance with DEQ standards.
According to McDonald, the school’s students are in desperate need of more space.
“We are housing well over 1,300 students now and anticipate reaching the 1,400-student mark in the upcoming school year,” she said. “We feed students from 3 years old to 12th grade, breakfast and lunch for free each day in a space that was built in 1987.”
McDonald said the high school and gym were built in 1970.
“The time to make an impact on the children and community of Silo is now,” McDonald said. “The cost of refusing prior bonds has resulted in significant increases in interest rates and material cost each year we wait. The need for this project is not going to go away.
“There will not be a better time than the present to show your support for the Silo children than now. Silo is a tremendous place that is deserving of and appreciates your support.”
School bond propositions require a 60 percent super majority to pass. The last bond election for Silo in February 2024 failed because it received 53.75 percent in favor of it.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 13.