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Elkhart board approves $19.8 million in bonds for middle school renovations, says tax rate unchanged
Summary
The Elkhart Community Schools board approved projects and appropriations tied to 2025 A, B and C bonds totaling $19.8 million to renovate three middle schools and move sixth graders into those buildings; district leaders said the measure will not raise the district's tax rate.
The Elkhart Community Schools Board of Trustees voted unanimously Jan. 14 to approve projects and additional appropriations tied to the 2025 A, B and C bond issues, a package the district said will provide $19.8 million in capital for middle school renovations.
The board heard a presentation describing the plan as funding renovations at all three middle schools to accommodate sixth-grade students next year. "The proposal is for $6,600,000 for the A, B, and C bond, totaling $19,800,000 in projected revenues," the presenter said during the public hearing. "This will not increase our overall tax rate for the school district. We will remain at 91.97 cents."
Board members opened a public hearing as required for the bond appropriations. No members of the public spoke during the hearing. After discussion, a motion to approve the projects and the additional appropriations carried unanimously.
The presenter summarized the types of work planned: primarily classroom updates, corridor work and locker replacements; the buildings have not seen significant improvements since 1988, the district said. The board noted the work is meant to complete the district's transition of sixth-grade students into the middle schools.
The board suspended the regular meeting to hold the hearing and reconvened before voting to advance the projects and appropriations.
The board did not provide a roll-call vote tally in the public proceedings; the meeting minutes record the motion as passing unanimously.
Looking ahead, the district said construction and renovation scheduling will proceed so the renovated spaces are available for the incoming sixth-grade cohort next year.
