Republic weighs big build, big bill

Republic School District voters will be asked on the April 8 ballot to support a grand addition to the district—a monster, indoor activities facility, that will include a 65,000 square foot turfed area (which is larger than a football field). That and other district improvements will come with a price tag of $33 million. However, only $22 million of the final bill will be covered by a no-tax-increase bond issue. The district itself will foot the remaining $11 million through capital fund monies and other sources.
If the voters give the green light, the impressive facility will be built behind Republic High School, which will also open up 8-9 classrooms within the current building. Also added to the campus will be a 150-seat community room for district and community events.
The funds won’t only go to new construction, however. Also improved will be portions of Republic Middle School and new air conditioning at Price Elementary gym.
In the vein of security upgrades, all buildings in the district will also receive window safety and security film to all exterior doors and school entrance vestibules.
The current debt service levy rate is $0.94, which will remain whether the bond passes or not.

Learn more
The community is invited to learn more online during a virtual event which will be held from 7-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 3 on YouTube Live.