Dr. Bertram Talks About EVSC Plan on A.M. Evansville
By: Web Producer
Updated: March 18, 2008
There was unanimous approval for the e-v-s-c strategic agenda last night. Now comes the tough sell, paying for all of the projects it calls for. Dr. Vince Bertram went before the school board and unanimously won approval for a broad array of changes to the way the district operates.
Bertrams plan calls for investments in teacher training, technology, early childhood education, and programs to involve parents. But, the biggest change is in the organizational structure of schools. The plan calls for a new North Middle and High School complex, as well as additions to 7other schools, including Cedar Hall Elementary.
Originally targeted for closure, the public comments persuaded Bertram to keep it open and expand it to a K-8. The total price tag could run as high as 171 million dollars. But, Bertram thinks there are other revenue sources that will reduce the amount borrowed in the form of bonds to 149 million. A bond hearing is slated for April 7th. And, if approved, construction for a new North Middle High School complex could be started with a completion date of 2011. Bertram believes it can all be done without raising taxes. Just last week, the Indiana General Assembly passed a property tax reform bill which calls for a referendum on public spending projects over 20 million dollars. This certainly will top that amount, but the bond hearing is scheduled ahead of the implementation of that new law
