(KLZA)-- The Johnson County Central Board of Education approved a resolution during their February 9 meeting to hold a special bond fund election during Primary Election on May 10.

The purpose of the election will be for school district patrons to vote for or against a $43,375,000 general obligation bond proposal with the funds used for land acquisition and the construction of a pre-kindergarten to 12th grade facility for the Johnson County Central Schools, and to provide for necessary furniture, equipment and apparatus for such a facility.

In the February report from Superintendent Jon Rother, he noted the estimate to renovate the current facilities to meet the needs of the district include $6.5 million for the Tecumseh Elementary school built in 1931; $9.8 million for the site located in Cook with the facility built in 1958 and an addition in 1999. The renovation cost at the current High School in Tecumseh is estimated at $10 million bringing the total cost of $26.3 million.

Renovation would include replacing the HVAC systems including the boilers, asbestos remediation and updating the buildings to meet fire safety codes and ADA requirements plus roof repairs and updated safety and security measures along with telephone and IT capabilities.

In May, 2021 the initial estimate for a new facility came with a price tag ranging from $56-$61 million and would be approximately 155,765 square feet.

Since that time, the Steering Committee substantially modified the estimate and believe the needed square footage is approximately 125,700 square feet and will cost $42.5 - $43.5 million.

Under the proposal, the Industrial Arts classes and wrestling room would remain at the current high school building along with the superintendent's office, business office and the technology coordinators office, requiring only minimal renovations.

The JCC Building Steering Committee consisting of residents across the school district recommended the School Board propose a construction bond to the voters in May.

If approved a new, single-site facility will be built in Tecumseh.