School bond to Arapahoe voters

ARAPAHOE, Nebraska -- Voters in the Arapahoe Public Schools District and the City of Arapahoe will decide Tuesday, Nov. 2, if they want expanded and improved school facilities and a new joint school-city library.

The school project would not exceed $7,495,000. If voters approve the school project, the school district and the City of Arapahoe will enter into an agreement to build a $1 million joint-use library.

The school project would provide additional classroom space in the high school, improved lighting and new windows in the elementary wing and renovation of the wrestling practice wing. The project includes improved agriculture and industrial technology classrooms and a new art classroom.

The addition would provide a new fire sprinkler system and proper emergency exits and a new main entrance and corridors to connect all facilities. The new community center would focus on wellness with a public walking track, exercise and weight training areas, court and locker rooms. It would be available during the summer for community and youth activities.

New construction would meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements.

The joint-use library would replace the current public library, which has issues with mold, mildew and leaking windows and roof.

District patrons who do not live in Arapahoe will be asked to approve a 26.0 cent bond for the school and 2.7 cents for the school portion of the joint-use library, for a total levy of 28.7 cents.

District patrons who live inside of Arapahoe will be asked to approve a 26.0 cent levy for the school bond, 2.7 cents for the school portion of the joint library and 6.9 cents for the city portion of the joint library, for a total levy of 35.6 cents.

The bonds, at 4 percent, would be repaid in 20 years.