LEBANON — The Lebanon School Board received mixed reviews on Wednesday for its plan to spend $20.4 million on building improvements at three of Lebanon’s schools.
The package of upgrades — which includes new entrances and additional instructional space — are needed for Lebanon’s aging school buildings, supporters told the School Board during a public hearing.
“I think that all of the schools that are targeted for this bond issue really need what is proposed,” said Lebanon resident Dan Mielcarz, one of three residents who braved Wednesday evening’s snow squalls for a public hearing about the “modernization” project.
Anne Sharfstein also spoke in favor of the renovations, saying they are “important for all schools in the district” to continue providing a quality education.
The districts school’s “are not getting any younger,” she added.
Their comments were countered by Brian Ware, a West Lebanon resident, who urged the board to scale back their approach, pointing out that residents are still paying off the bond on the new Lebanon Middle School.
Entering into more debt would “restrict the flexibility” the district might need for future construction, he said.
The School Board voted, 7-2, last month to send forward a proposal that largely resembles a plan narrowly rejected by voters last year.
Board member Richard Milius reiterated his opposition to the project Wednesday, saying it “mortgages our children’s future.”
Spending $20 million would hamper the School Board’s ability to come back to voters with any additional construction requests, should the need arise, he said.
City residents voted, 893-713, last March to spend $20 million on building improvements. Whle the proposal garnered a majority, 55.6% of the vote, it required 60% support to pass because it involved borrowing.
School officials estimated the renovations would add 93 cents to Lebanon’s property tax rate next year. That amounts to an additional $232 in taxes for a home valued at $250,000.
Over the following five years, the tax burden will average an additional 88 cents per year, or about $220 for a $250,000 property.
Under the proposal, the school district’s two elementary schools — Mount Lebanon and Hanover Street — and high school would see new secure entryways built to better protect students.
Lebanon High School also would see construction of a lobby and “music suite,” which would contain a band room and several practice rooms.
At the Hanover Street School, a new cafeteria would be built to prevent conflicts with high schoolers, who now share a cafeteria.
Construction would also expand the elementary school’s library and art rooms, and additional classrooms would help alleviate a shortage of instructional and special needs space.
Improvements slated for the Mount Lebanon School include the construction of a kitchen capable of cooking hot meals, a handicap accessible stage and a general office suite that includes a new principal’s office and nurses’ room.
The school’s multipurpose room also would be expanded as part of the renovation.
The plans do not include a 775-seat auditorium pitched over the past two years as part of an expansion to Lebanon High School. That $9.4 million proposal won only 40.2% support at the polls last year.
An initial vote on the renovation project is expected during the Lebanon School District’s Feb. 1 deliberative session, which will take place at 9 a.m. at Lebanon Middle School.
It will then be on the city’s March ballot. Lebanon’s municipal elections are scheduled from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on March 10.
Tim Camerato can be reached at tcamerato@vnews.com or 603-727-3223.