School Bond Decision Delayed

DAYTON - The Dayton Schools Facilities Com­mittee on Tuesday decided to delay making a recom­mendation to the Dayton School Board for a construc­tion bond levy to finance major reconstruction at the schools. The District will not put a levy request before vot­ers in February, as originally expected.

According to a statement issued by Superintendent Doug Johnson, at the com­mittee's October 8th meet­ing, the group determined that they need more public input before moving for­ward. He said that, during the meeting, he stressed the importance of getting public input on any potential proj­ect and its costs. The group is scheduled to meet again on October 29.

"The committee hopes to refine project options in order to take them to the public for input," John­son's statement said. "Public meetings are likely to be held in November and De­cember before the commit­tee takes a recommendation to the board which would ultimately result in a ballot measure in April."

The committee has been meeting regularly since early this year. A consulting firm working with the committee, BLRB Architects, presented several potential renovation options to the group in Sep­tember. Total project costs ranged from $17 million to $27 million. About 85% of those costs would be paid for with taxpayer-approved construction bonds. The remainder would be covered by state matching funds.

The statement said that the needs being addressed in potential renovations include "safety and security, access, mechanical systems, appro­priate teaching stations, flex­ible small and large group spaces, and a need to meet the needs of students in the future."

Citizens or groups who would like to host an infor­mational meeting or who have questions about any potential project are encour­aged to call Superintendent Johnson at 509-382-2543.