Confused about how to vote on the construction/remodeling plan for the high school and elementary school in the Lake Park-Audubon School District?
Here's your chance to get questions answered by school bard members and district staff. The LP-A School Board has scheduled four public meetings -- including one Saturday morning meeting -- prior to the May 8 Building Bond referendum. Here's the schedule:
- 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, at the high school theater in Lake Park.
- 7 p.m. Monday, April 23, at Cormorant Town Hall.
- 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 28, at the elementary school south gym in Audubon.
- 7 p.m. Monday, April 30, at Lake Eunice Town Hall.
Plans call for construction of a new high school for grades 7-12 in Lake Park, and remodeling/construction of the elementary school in Audubon.
Want the details? Here they are, from the district's Web site, which was updated in February to reflect this year's figures:
The district proposes to float a $26.17 million bond over 25 years.
That will cost the owner of a $100,000 home or seasonal cabin $236 more per year in taxes.
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Taxes on a $70,000 home will rise $165.
Taxes on a $300,000 home will go up by $708 per year.
A business valued at $100,000 will pay $354 more in taxes.
Commercial/industrial property valued at $250,000 will pay $1,003 more.
A $50,000 business will pay $177 a year more.
An agricultural homestead valued at $300,000 will pay $496 more. Ag non-homestead valued at $1,000 per acre will be assessed $2.36 more per acre.
Many property owners will qualify for a property tax refund, partially easing the pain of the higher taxes, according to the Web site.
The proposed option includes renovation of approximately 50,000 square feet at the elementary site, with about 37,000 square feet of new construction.
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Existing facilities were evaluated by the district's architects and construction manager. Together, they identified areas that could be renovated at reasonable costs and cited problem areas that made it financially impractical to renovate.
The gym areas will have modest to moderate upgrades, but the remainder of the renovated areas will be substantially changed. The blend of renovation and new construction will transform the building into a new-looking facility both inside and out.
The new high school building will have approximately 106,000 square feet.
It will accommodate both current and future needs -- with a building that permits unimpeded transition between classrooms, and easy access from Highway 10.
The design incorporates multi-use areas that allow ample space for a wide range of activities.
There are architectural sketches, photos of the existing schools, and much more information about the proposed building projects on the school district's Web site at www.lakeparkaudubon.org .
There are a lot of untrue rumors flying around. If you can, get to a meeting so you can cast the best-informed vote possible.
