LEBANON — A small group of voters weighed the pros and cons of a $20.4 million renovation and construction project for three of the city’s schools at Lebanon School District’s deliberative session on Saturday, ultimately leaving the full warrant intact for next month’s municipal elections.
During the two-hour meeting, voters also briefly discussed a $45.6 million operating budget that reflects a 2.6% increase over last year’s budget, a new collective bargaining agreement and a $300,000 addition to the district’s special education trust fund.
Most residents who spoke at the meeting expressed support for the renovation project, which would include new entrances designed to increase safety and security at Mount Lebanon, Hanover Street and Lebanon High schools, as well as additional instructional space and a variety of other facility upgrades.
“It’s not just about academics. It’s also about culture,” said supporter Cara DeLura, a parent of a middle schooler and preschooler. Along with improvements that would enhance students’ educational experiences, such as a full kitchen and a bigger multi-purpose room at Mount Lebanon School and a new music room and student center at the high school, DeLura said student safety should be a high priority for the city.
Lebanon High School Principal Ian Smith, who is a Lebanon resident, stressed the importance of creating a space that students can feel proud of. He said the new student center that would be built into the lobby area would transform the atmosphere of the school as well as keep more students on campus during their free hours.
“It will change the aesthetic nature of the high school, which I do think is important,” said Smith, adding that most of the high schools that Lebanon High School students visit for sports and other activities have more inviting facilities.
“(The student center) will be, I think, well used,” said Smith, who graduated from Lebanon High. “I think the research supports having a pleasant space for students.”
Voters also spoke about the value of modern educational spaces in attracting families to the city.
“I really think it’s important to make these investments in the future,” Dan Mielcarz said.
A couple voters, however, said those investments would prove too costly.
Richard Milius, one of two board members who voted against the renovation package, told voters at the meeting that the $20.4 million bond will sink the city too deeply into debt.
“There is no doubt that there are all sorts of things that need to happen,” he said. “(But) we could not come up with a more expensive way to finance these needs.”
Milius added that if the schools have legitimate safety and security concerns, these should be addressed immediately in the operating budget.
Georgia Tuttle, who served as mayor of Lebanon for eight years before stepping down in 2017, said she shared Milius’ concerns about debt.
“I worry about this big number,” she said. “We have … people in our neighborhoods who are struggling to pay their taxes.”
Former School Board member Jon Stearns said he has continued to work a part-time job after retiring in order to pay his property taxes. But he believes the investment is worth it.
“I really see this as a need that’s taken too long to get into place,” he said.
The renovation proposal originated with an independent study that identified areas of need in the district’s schools and has been modified over the past few years to incorporate community input and enrollment projections, said School Board Chairwoman Wendy Hall.
Last year, a similar proposal narrowly fell short of the 60% voter approval required of articles that involve borrowing.
The renovations would increase Lebanon’s property tax rate by an estimated 93 cents in the first year and 88 cents over the next five years, according to district officials. That would result in an additional $220-$232 on a $250,000 home. Rates would decrease after the first five years.
The 20 to 30 residents who attended the deliberative session also reviewed a $45.6 million operating budget that includes increased funding for special education and staffing. The rise in special education costs comes primarily from new out-of-district placements, many of them court-ordered, said SAU 88 Superintendent Joanne Roberts.
There was little discussion on the budget, which is projected to add about 77 cents to the tax rate, or $192 on a $250,000 property. Residents will vote on the renovations, the operating budget and three other warrant articles, as well as electing school board members and other district officials, during Lebanon’s municipal elections, scheduled for March 10 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sarah Earle can be reached at searle@vnews.com or 603-727-3268.