Voters in the Cave City School District have approved a millage extension that will allow the district to access more than $12.7 million in state partnership funding for a new elementary school.
The measure passed Tuesday by a vote of 525 to 97. The extension restructures existing debt and does not increase the current 39-mill property tax rate. According to the district, the move is required to secure $12,751,334.26 in state funding previously authorized for the project.
The planned 72,000-square-foot K–5 facility carries an estimated price tag of $25 million to $27 million. District figures show $6.1 million has been saved in the building fund, and the millage extension is expected to generate about $7.4 million toward construction.
The new school will replace a facility whose main structure dates to the 1960s and has ongoing issues involving plumbing, roofing and HVAC systems. Plans for the new building include a secure single-entry system, expanded surveillance cameras, a cafeteria, and a FEMA-rated safe room intended for both students and community use. All instructional space would be located under one roof.
The district said its current millage rate remains below the state average. It also reports ranking 19th among 250 districts statewide, the highest ranking in north-central Arkansas.
In a statement after the vote, district officials said the approval provides the necessary local funding to advance the project.
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