Manchester Schools Approve Renovation Funding Steps

July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.

By Jordan Fouts-

NORTH MANCHESTER – The Manchester Community Schools board began the process of raising funds for high school renovations during Tuesday’s meeting.

The school is looking to raise up to $2 million for the project, which includes roof replacement, exterior masonry work, upgrades to security and electrical systems, and addressing heating, cooling and plumbing issues.

Funding the project is not expected to affect property tax rates, but will be done through bond sales.

Total costs are estimated at $1.67 million. Bond sale proceeds are expected to total $1.935 million, to cover unforeseen costs.

A public hearing is set for April 10 at 5:30 p.m. at the administration offices to discuss one part of the funding process, a proposed third amendment to the Manchester High School Building Corporation lease.

School officials are also looking to collect at least 50 signatures from school patrons endorsing the renovation project before the hearing. Schools Superintendent Bill Reichhart gave signature sheets to board members so they could approach school patrons directly.

“This gives us a chance to talk to people about what we’re doing,” he said.

The board also accepted High School Principal Nancy Alspaugh’s proposal to teach driver’s education beginning in April. Students will learn the driving manual during the first session, then in May will begin hands-on driving instruction.

The cost for the class is $350, which she noted is less expensive than private lessons.

“I have a lot of 15 year olds clamoring for driver’s ed forms,” Alspaugh told the board. “If enough sign up, I may seek a second driving instructor.”[[In-content Ad]]

NORTH MANCHESTER – The Manchester Community Schools board began the process of raising funds for high school renovations during Tuesday’s meeting.

The school is looking to raise up to $2 million for the project, which includes roof replacement, exterior masonry work, upgrades to security and electrical systems, and addressing heating, cooling and plumbing issues.

Funding the project is not expected to affect property tax rates, but will be done through bond sales.

Total costs are estimated at $1.67 million. Bond sale proceeds are expected to total $1.935 million, to cover unforeseen costs.

A public hearing is set for April 10 at 5:30 p.m. at the administration offices to discuss one part of the funding process, a proposed third amendment to the Manchester High School Building Corporation lease.

School officials are also looking to collect at least 50 signatures from school patrons endorsing the renovation project before the hearing. Schools Superintendent Bill Reichhart gave signature sheets to board members so they could approach school patrons directly.

“This gives us a chance to talk to people about what we’re doing,” he said.

The board also accepted High School Principal Nancy Alspaugh’s proposal to teach driver’s education beginning in April. Students will learn the driving manual during the first session, then in May will begin hands-on driving instruction.

The cost for the class is $350, which she noted is less expensive than private lessons.

“I have a lot of 15 year olds clamoring for driver’s ed forms,” Alspaugh told the board. “If enough sign up, I may seek a second driving instructor.”[[In-content Ad]]
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092

e-Edition


e-edition

Sign up


for our email newsletters

Weekly Top Stories

Sign up to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every Sunday

Daily Updates & Breaking News Alerts

Sign up to get our daily updates and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox daily

Latest Stories


Wawasee School Board Approves 2025 Budget, Bus Replacement Plan
SYRACUSE – The Wawasee School Board of Trustees had a financially-heavy agenda at its regular October board meeting, held Tuesday.

Power Line Lowering Project Soon Start Soon
Construction work should be starting soon on the power line lowering project at the Warsaw Municipal Airport.

Community Arts Program Presenting A Free Concert On Saturday
WINONA LAKE – Community Arts Program Vocal Vision (founded as the Warsaw Community Choir) is celebrating its 40th anniversary this season.

Dekko Grants Support Eight Youth-Serving Organizations’ Work
KENDALLVILLE — The Dekko Foundation, a private family foundation located in Kendallville with a mission of fostering economic freedom through education, awarded more than $566,000 in grants and pledges to eight youth-serving organizations during its most recent round of grantmaking.

Saemann Foundation Awards Cardinal Services $8,000
Cardinal Services has received an $8,000 grant from the Franklin I. & Irene List Saemann Foundation for the purchase of surveillance equipment for the Kosciusko Area Bus Service.