...Daviess Co. board takes first step to adopt third nickel tax to finance new middle school, major renovations for one of district's high schools...
Messenger-Inquirer, Owensboro, April 21, 2017
DCPS moving forward with third nickel tax
By Bobbie Hayse
The Daviess County Board of Education approved Superintendent Owens Saylor to prepare a resolution to authorize the levy of a third nickel tax during its regular board meeting on Thursday.
This is the first step for the district to expand bonding capacity, which will allow it to focus on two major construction projects that have been on the district’s wish list for some time: building a new Daviess County Middle School and undergoing significant renovations at Apollo High School.
The extra nickel tax money is only to be used for facilities construction, and with it the district will be able to complete the projects, which were brought to the forefront during the Leadership Planning Committee’s facilities planning.
Saylor also recommended that the board not raise taxes for fiscal year 2018, and suggested that the district hold a public forum May 2 at Daviess County Middle School and a public forum on May 8 at Apollo High School, so the public can have the opportunity to see the schools’ construction needs.
There will also be a 5 p.m. May 16 public hearing at the central office before this tax is levied.
The board also heard from Apollo High School Principal Rick Lasley, who discussed an issue with the outdoor basketball courts at the school.
“I have been here a year and just in my short time here, I fully realize how much of a nuisance that area has become, and it’s more than just a nuisance, it’s considered a safety hazard.”
He discussed situations during school sporting events when locals not affiliated with the school were doing drugs publicly, or getting into fights at the location. He also talked about a staff member’s child finding a kitchen knife stashed in the location as well.
He said that the outdoor basketball courts are his biggest concern.
Assistant superintendent Matt Robbins said such concerns aren’t a new problem, and said the school has “no clear and present use” of the outdoor courts.
Board members took no action on that issue, but said it could be discussed further in the future.
Posted: Friday, April 21, 2017