Charles City School Officials Seek Direction in Wake of Failed Bond Referendum
The president of the Charles City School Board is seeking public feedback as to “what’s next?” in the wake of the failed $30 million bond referendum that would have paid for sweeping improvements and renovations to Charles City High School.
The measure was defeated in Tuesday’s (11.04) election with 54% of ballots in the NO category to only 46% in favor of approval. The bond required a 60% supermajority YES vote to pass.
In a Facebook post, School Board President Bruce Koebrick wonders what do the results say? He further ponders, “Is this simply a NO! That’s it, we say no, quit asking, no means no!”
Koebrick says he is “trying to genuinely understand the results” and asks for replies in one of seven categories:
*Was this an affordability issue?
*Was this a plan issue?
*Was this a trust or transparency issue?
*Was this an issue of larger community problems?
*Was there a personal issue of grievance against the district that led to a no vote?
*Always a NO on tax increase items?
*Other?
Koebrick also asks “Is there a genuine offer to find common ground? What are your expectations of the district at this point?’” offering six categories:
*Cut current proposal?
*No major repairs, operate within current budget constraints?
*Complete HVAC and electrical projects as allocated in the $4 million issuance of bonds, then pause?
*Back to the drawing board for entirely new options?
*Complete cost/benefit analysis for continuing operations of Charles City High School vs dissolution of high school?
*Other?
Koebrick says he’s proud of the plan developed for the high school and appreciates everyone involved in their efforts to try to get the bond passed.
Koebrick says, “I blame no one but myself for the short falls of the campaign and I award no one with a victory in yesterday’s (Tuesday’s) results.”
He welcomes people to “respectfully comment” to his post.
On Monday (11.10), during the regular monthly meeting, the School Board agenda includes time for public discussion of the bond results. Those wishing to comment are asked to sign in before the meeting starts at 5:30 pm in the High School Library, with comments to be limited to two minutes in length.
