Mapleton School District Asks Voters to Approve $7.2 Million Referendum

The Mapleton School District is trying to get voters on board for its latest school construction plan.
 
Mapleton tried to pass the same school bond last October, but it failed.

The elementary is 92 years old and school officials say the building simply can no longer serve students with efficiency.
 
 
For teachers at Mapleton Elementary like Nancy Vetter, the town has everything expect one thing.
 
“We have a great community here, and nice staff everyone works together really well, it’s just the facility that needs updating,” said Nancy.
 
The town’s current elementary school has slowly deteriorated over time, and school officials say it has limited them in many ways.
 
“We have heating issues, we have cooling issues, environmental issues left and right,”said Tim Jacobson Principal at Mapleton Elementary.
 
The school district will be asking voters to approve a 7.2 million dollar referendum.

The bond if approved will be paid for through property taxes costing less than 300 dollars for a home valued at 100 thousand.
 
On the March 29th ballot voters will have two questions that will ultimately decide the projects fate.
 
“One is for the 7.2 million dollars, and the other one would be for the debt limit to raise it from five percent, to 10 percent. We need a yes on both of those,” said Jacobson.
 
For parents like Carlita Dietz who has had several kids graduate from Mapleton elementary, it’s about the kids.
 
“I have personally painted classrooms here before. We love this school its got character, it’s got charm, but it’s past its useful life, and the kids deserve healthy air, and consistent heating,” said Carlita.
 
She says for her the March 29th vote is a no brainer.
 
“I’m voting yes, and yes definitely,” said Carlita.

The vote needs 60 percent to pass.

School officials say if the bond is approved they hope to break ground as early as August.

Brittany Ford KVRR News.