By Eric Stock and Crystal Donaldson
DOWNS – Tri-Valley High School will be getting a facelift following a vote in Tuesday’s primary election.
Voters in the school district in Downs overwhelmingly approved a referendum to restructure bonds to pay for $15 million in renovations to the high school.
The project includes remodeled classrooms, a redone entry way and kitchen and a new auditorium and a multi-purpose gym.
Superintendent David Mouser says he was surprised yet thrilled to have the support from the community.
“Being really transparent and opening the building up to allow community members to come in and tour and seeing what our kids are experiencing on the daily basis was key,” said Mouser.
The work is scheduled to begin this summer and be finished by the 2020-21 school year.
“So there’s a lot of temporary walls, the heating and cooling system is not very efficient. So this gives us a chance to do a lot of work to make the spaces more conducive to 21st century learning, which is what I think our community expects.”
Meanwhile, voters in Martin Township in eastern Mclean County struck down a proposal to raise maximum tax rates for road and bridge maintenance.
Woodford County voters agreed to a one-percent sales tax increase to better their public schools as 57 percent said yes to the increase. According to news partner WMBD-TV, nine school districts will split an estimated $1.8 million annually.
Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].
Crystal Donaldson can be reached at [email protected].
