School board hears concerns over single elementary building

Superintendent, Jay Ehler led a meeting on Tuesday evening to discuss the public's concerns over building a new elementary school in Sidney.

The proposal for a bond issue to support construction of such a facility was voted down by a narrow margin in September's special election, but the idea has since resurfaced.

It is no secret that the current schools are rapidly aging. North was built in 1929 and had an addition constructed in the 1950s, Central in 1953, South in 1955 and West in 1960s. According to proponents of the facility, a new school would accommodate up-to-date technology to further the education of the children in Sidney.

The Sidney Board of Education now wants to find out why community members voted "no" in order that concerns would be addressed.

The main negative votes stemmed from opposition the increase in property taxes the bond issue would create, as well as the future of the building housing North Elementary and the neighborhood surrounding the structure. Many residents are upset that new projects are all scheduled for the east side of town.

Another concern expressed at the meeting was the possibility that school staff would be cut if the new facility is constructed. Ehler assured those in attendance that that would not be an issue, especially with the projected growth of the town.

The School Board has applied for several grants in an attempt to alleviate some of the costs to the community. As for what will happen to the North side of town, the School Board had the idea of tearing down the school, building a skate park, playground, tennis courts and new homes. Nothing has been set in stone, but the hope is that this construction would draw more residents to the North side, to use the facilities or to live.

Delaying construction of a new building will likely increase costs, proponents say. Also, the middle school will need work down the road, so any postponements now might create fiscal issues later.