DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY
dewayne@mcnews.online
Superintendent Deric Owens hosted about a dozen local community leaders Thursday, January 9, at the Caddo Hills School Cafeteria to discuss the proposed bond initiative that will appear on the ballot in March.
Owens pointed out at the meeting that currently residents in the Caddo Hills School District pay 33.8 mils in property taxes. The current rate is the 28th lowest in the state out of over 250 districts. The current millage is being used to pay off a bond purchased several years ago with seven years remaining on the bond.
The Caddo Hills School District is seeking to extend the millage rate to fund a new bond initiative that will generate approximately $1.8 million for the district to use for construction.
If passed the money generated would pay for a major renovation in the cafeteria that would include removing the stage and an adjoining classroom. This would allow the district to expand and update the current dining area and serving area. They would also be able to increase kitchen space.
The stage would be relocated to the PE Gym. Renovations at the PE Gym would include the new stage with dressing rooms, a new classroom and bathrooms. There would also be an entryway added to the existing structure. An additional 4,900 square feet of space would be added to the gym in the project.
There is also a possibility that air conditioning could be installed in the basketball gym.
Owens announced that the district will host the first of four informational meetings regarding the proposed bond initiative Thursday, January 6, at the Old Norman High School.
Meetings will also be held at Mount Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church, Sulfur Springs Baptist Church and Caddo Hills High School Cafeteria. All meetings will begin at 6 p.m.
Superintendent Deric Owens would like to invite everyone to attend any, or all of the scheduled meetings. The purpose of the meetings is to educate the residents of the Caddo Hills School District about the bond initiative.
Other meeting times and locations include:
January 23 – Mount Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church (6 p.m.)
February 6 – Sulpher Springs Baptist Church (6 p.m.)
February 17 – Caddo Hills High School Cafeteria (6 p.m.)
The school district announced they would be seeking the bond initiative late last year. Superintendent Owens will share information on the bond itself, as well as improvements funded by monies generated by extending the current bond.
Owens stated that he believes the way information is listed on the ballot could be confusing to some people. The ballot will ask people to “Vote For Tax,” or “Vote Against Tax.” Voting for the tax will not increase the amount of taxes paid and voting against it will not lower anyone’s taxes.
Owens stated all he wants to do is to present the facts to the community so they can make an informed decision.
Informational material has been mailed to everyone in the district in an effort to provide as much information as possible.
For more information please call (870) 356-5700.
