WORTHINGTON - Worthington Independent District 518 Board of Education members are still mulling over a bond referendum date for a new high school.
Board members Linden Olson and Scott Rosenberg continued the discussion with Superintendent John Landgaard during Tuesday morning’s instructional committee meeting. The intention is to bring a recommendation to the entire board during its Aug. 15 regular meeting.
Bond election dates for the approximately $68 million high school are possible on the second Tuesday in February, April, May, August or November.
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Board Vice Chair Scott Rosenberg said while he is still undecided, he does not predict the date will make a big difference in the outcome.
“I don’t know how much more there is to do on it, considering it’s very similar to the plan we’ve put out very recently,” he added.
Olson said he doesn’t see a good probability of getting a favorable vote if the board sets the election date for November. He added that more time is needed to educate the public and rally community business and organization’s support.
“I still think you’ve got to have a game-changer,” Olson said.
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Landgaard said based on conversations, he does not recommend an April election date.
Rosenberg did not favor February, citing possible inclement weather and its possible detriment to voter turnout.
Landgaard also presented an update to the district’s projected enrollment at each school. Total district enrollment remains at 3,235 students for the upcoming school year.
Landgaard said the student enrollment numbers at each building are well over design capacity, considering a 2012 enrollment study reference. The study shows a design capacity of about 1,105 students at Prairie Elementary, 850 at the middle school and 850 to 900 at the high school. That compares to the actual projected enrollment of 1,277 students at Prairie Elementary, 952 at the middle school and 916 at the high school for the upcoming school year.
