After voters twice rejected proposals to issues bonds to pay for a new school and major repairs, school board members now are considering borrowing what they can without voter approval to pay for state-mandated improvements.
A list of potential repairs doesn't include everything Winnebago Board of Education members say they need to meet building safety codes, but they're focusing on the highest-priority fixes.
The board will vote June 12 on whether to issue up to $3.2 million in bonds to pay for roof replacements, asbestos removal and other repairs required by the state.
Voters on April 4 rejected a proposed $12 million bond issue after previously defeating a $25.6 proposal in November. The 1,400-student school system still can issue bonds worth up to $5.4 million without voter approval.
Some board members say pursuing $2.2 million less than the maximum amount allowed will leave the district with a financial cushion for any surprises.
Board members say property taxpayers' 2017 bills would not be affected and actually should drop.
"The buildings need to be repaired. ... There's no ifs, ands or buts. We do not have that money in our budget," board Vice President Todd France said. "The more we put this off, the more damage we do to those buildings."
If board members approve the $3.2 million bond sale, construction could begin this summer. Dorothy Simon Elementary School, 309 S. Benton St., would get a new roof and boiler this summer.
Also planned are additional roof repairs, window replacement at both elementary schools, removal and replacement of asbestos floor tile at Simon, and installation of a system to ensure heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems are functioning efficiently.
"You can't have a big building that leaks water when it rains," France said. "We basically have to shut down the second floor (when it does)"
A facilities inspection revealed the district must spend at least $10 million on repairs and maintenance at its four schools to remain in compliance with state school building safety codes.
The failed Nov. 8 bond referendum would have paid for a 75,000-square-foot elementary school at the district's main campus near East McNair Road and Elida Street.
Superintendent Scott Bloomquist had hoped to get the new elementary school built before he leaves for a new job June 30 as the Boone-Winnebago Regional Office of Education's assistant regional superintendent.
He's looking forward to remaining a part of the district as a parent with four children attending Winnebago schools.
