By Emily Younker
eyounker@joplinglobe.com
CARL JUNCTION, Mo. — The Carl Junction Board of Education on Monday decided to begin the bidding procedure for projects that will be funded by a $1 million bond issue approved by voters earlier this month.
Superintendent Phil Cook said he plans to solicit bids now for all the projects, even those that likely won’t begin until summer.
“We want to get it on the contractors’ dockets so we’re ready to go,” Cook said.
Voters on Nov. 3 approved by more than 70 percent a $1 million bond issue that will be used to upgrade or replace features at most of the district’s schools.
The bond issue does not raise the current debt-service levy of 82 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.
The bond issue is to finance:
n Replacement of heating and air-conditioning units at the kindergarten and first-grade building.
n Lighting and restroom upgrades at the second- and third-grade building.
n Roof replacement and air conditioning at the intermediate building.
n Improved access to vocational agriculture features at the high school.
n Paving of the school bus area and the addition of a covered bus bay.
The district plans to take advantage of interest-free bonds, which are available through the Qualified School Construction Bond program, for a portion of the $1 million.
Cook said the district won’t sell any bonds until April, after the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s application procedure for the interest-free bonds has been completed.
Board election
The Carl Junction Board of Education on Monday approved a notice to open the filing period for two board seats that will be on the April ballot. The seats now are held by Larry Cowger and Bonnie Stutesman. Each position carries a three-year term.
Election filing will open at 8 a.m. Dec. 15 and will close at 4 p.m. Jan. 20. Notices will not be accepted over the holiday break, which stretches from Dec. 22 to Jan. 4.
Candidates must be 24 or older and must be taxpayers living in the Carl Junction School District. They must have lived in Missouri for at least one year preceding their appointment to the board.
