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Community Split Over New School Bond Issue Save Email Print
Broken Bow, Neb.
Posted: 5:30 PM May 12, 2008
Last Updated: 11:23 AM May 13, 2008
Reporter: Sara Geake
Email Address: sara.geake@kolnkgin.com

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One of those issues on Tuesday's ballot is causing controversy in Broken Bow.

It's a $9.4 million bond issue that would fund a new elementary school. But despite accessibility and heating and cooling issues, not every one thinks a new building is the best option.

When it rains outside, it's also raining inside North Park Elementary.

"We have major leaks in some of our classrooms and at our library here at North Park, and some of our classrooms at Custer," said Ross Ridenour, Broken Bow Elementary principal.

A community committee recommended a new building funded by a $9.4 million bond issue to replace the two schools and address facility concerns. "Life safety codes, American with Disabilities Act, curriculum delivery and, I believe, condition of the facility," said Timothy Shafer, Broken Bow superintendent.

Custer Elementary is about 80 years old, but those against the bond say it would be cheaper to fix up this building and other elementary buildings before thinking about building a new school.

"By the superintendent's own admission, you can build, you can do all the buildings including renovating the middle school, high school and the auditorium for $7.8 million. It's a no brainer as far as I'm concerned. I don't even understand why we're having this discussion," said Loren H. Jacobsen, Broken Bow.

"Certainly the buildings in use now could be upgraded, but there's a cost for that as well and the community group that came together felt that the better expenditure of money would be a new building," Shafer said.

Now the voters will decide if that's the case.

"You can't tax yourself into prosperity," Jacobsen said.

School officials say even if the bond passes, students would remain in the old buildings for another two years until their new school is built on the northwest side of town.

The location is another point of controversy because it is located outside city limits and would require utilities to be extended to the building.

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