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Lewis Central candidates largely back future bond but stress phasing and taxpayer affordability
Summary
Most candidates at a Lewis Central School District forum said they would support a future facilities bond to address growth and aging buildings, but urged phased projects, clear cost transparency and exploring grants or private funding to reduce taxpayer burden.
At a Lewis Central School District candidates forum, moderators asked whether candidates would support pursuing a new bond for renovations or a new school. Most said they would back a bond in principle but emphasized careful design, phasing and communication to limit the burden on household taxpayers.
Incumbent Erin Peterson said she would support a bond when needed and stressed the importance of long‑range planning as the district grows. "I absolutely would," Peterson said when asked if she would back a bond, adding that the district must account for taxpayers who no longer have school‑age children but still pay for bonds.
Candidates noted the district recently passed a $30,000,000 bond. One candidate summarized how revenue is distributed: "Of the $30,000,000 bond that passed, I believe it's only about $9,000,000 is what the residents pay because we are surrounded by businesses," and urged clarity about who absorbs repayment costs. Forum participants did not provide supporting municipal tax data during the event; speakers discussed the distribution as context for why a future bond could be politically feasible but must be explained to voters.
Several candidates recommended phasing projects rather than asking taxpayers for a single large lump sum. Laura Ladhoff and others said a phased approach or staging construction could make a bond more affordable, while others suggested expanding private fundraising and pursuing grants as supplemental funding sources.
Candidates also pointed to transparency and accountability as priorities. Erin Peterson and Doreen Scheffel urged posting project budgets and progress online; Peterson said the district has posted pictures and cost information to build trust after the last bond.
The forum did not include any formal board action. The candidates' positions indicate general support for capital projects but leave details — exact project lists, tax impacts and timelines — to future board deliberations and public outreach. Several candidates asked voters to weigh these factors in the election referenced during closing remarks.
