Culver schools to try third time for bond measure

After weeks of work, the Culver School District has decided to send an $8.8 million bond measure to the voters. Monday night at a special meeting, the school board voted 4-0 to send a 16-year bond measure to voters — the third try in two years.

In May, voters narrowly rejected a nearly $10 million proposal — and a $14.5 million bond was defeated in the fall of 2011.

The school board had discussed other amounts but said they wanted to focus on to on critical needs like safety and security.

The approved resolution Monday night shows the bond would cover:

* Repairs and upgrades including an HVAC system, electrical systems, structural needs, increased safety and security and ADA compliance.
* Demolish two failing elementary wings and construct, furnish and equip replacement facilities.
* Renovate and upgrade instructional spaces at High School, Gymnasium and Middle School, including furnishing and equipment.
* Refinance current debt used to pay for acquisition of the Elbe and Iris Lane property
* Pay bond insurance costs.

Superintendent Stefanie Garber says she’s confident the measure will pass this time around.

“I am absolutely confident, which shows that we really listened,” Garber said. “One of the sticking points seems to be the property, and so we’re going to take care of half of it on our own with district funds.”

That property at Elbe and Iris Lane has caused quiet the stir in Culver. The district bought it hoping to expand because of their growing community, but the economy tanked and the district couldn’t afford to develop it. Many in Culver were disappointed with the decision.