The Batesville School Board voted unanimously Tuesday night to send a millage referendum to voters in the district.
The additional 8.4 proposed mills will pay for, among other items, securing 62 entrances across all campuses; the addition of 13 elementary classrooms and three storm shelters; and construction of a new cafeteria and kitchen with a joint lobby and restrooms at the high school campus.
Principals from each campus addressed the school board during the meeting about the need for additional instructional space, parking, traffic flow solutions, and on-campus student safety.
Superintendent Michael Hester said the board has worked hard to balance a responsible plan with the growth the district has experienced over the past few years.
“We took $36 million off of the complete list to try to get the price right,” he said. “Our growth is forcing us to have to do something…it’s been 15 years since we’ve maintained the things that we’ve got. We’re having to go for a plan that is worthy for their consideration with a lot of details.”
The millage will be voted on during a special election April 14.
In other business, the board also approved Nabholz Construction to be the manager of the project pending the success of the bond referendum.
During Tuesday night’s meeting, the board also approved the extension of the superintendent’s contract through June 30, 2023.
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