Charles City School Board Sets Public Hearing for $4 Million Infrastructure Bonds
On a split vote, the Charles City School Board has taken another step towards $4 million in infrastructure upgrades to the High School.
School Board members are weighing a proposal to issue $4 million in bonds to fund HVAC and electrical improvements, plumbing in the Art Room, and bathrooms for ADA Compliance.
During Monday (02.10) night’s School Board meeting, almost a dozen people made public comments, largely to the effect that the plan doesn’t go far enough. Lorraine Witterink was on the School Board that greenlit construction of the new Middle School. She said, even then, the plan was not to let the high school sit idle.
A $28.5 million bond referendum to address an overhaul of the High School failed to pass in November 2023, but Comets baseball coach and teacher Tyler Downing urged the Board to keep trying for a bond referendum until it passes.
Board President Bruce Koebrick, the staunchest proponent of the $4 million bonding plan, said he doesn’t want to wait to do something either.
Board member Kathryn Fox echoed the thought that the $4 million proposal doesn’t go far enough to help high school students and staff.
Board member David Schrodt backed Koebrick saying the initial $4 million for building upgrades does not preclude officials from another bond referendum for more sweeping improvements, but it’s a starting point that moves things forward.
Though the bonding plan isn’t yet official, by a 3-2 Board count, with Dara Jaeger joining Koebrick and Schrodt in voting against Fox and Josh Mack, the measure was “untabled” and now moves to a public hearing on March 24th.
