USD 408 patrons get information about building project years ago
Sports reporter
Around 75 Marion-Florence USD 408 patrons attended a public meeting Monday at Marion Middle School to discuss a bond issue that would bring a new pool, gymnasium, and auditorium to the district.
The project will happen only if voters approve it during an April 4 election.
USD 408 superintendent Lee Leiker began the meeting by sharing information on academic improvements USD 408 has made in the past five years.
He listed programs such as Pathways to Reading, MAPS testing, new social studies and reading curriculums, a high school special reading class, and many other improvements.
Leiker said USD 408 is one of only a few schools in the state to have grade levels meet the standard of excellence two years in a row.
He then shared a list of facility improvements the district has made such as fixing a leaky roof on the Marion Elementary School gym and adding a new surface to the track.
After explaining how the state would pay for 32 percent of the $9 million project, he then told patrons how the city would pay $100,000 per year toward the project, and split all expenses of the pool with the district.
"Any time two entities can work together, I don't think that is a bad thing," Leiker said.
City administrator David Mayfield explained the city has a pool budget of $42,000 and spends another $10,000 on maintenance to the more than 50-year-old pool.
"That $52,000 would go toward the $100,000," Mayfield said.
Leiker then explained the district's mill levy of 10.44 would not change because a bond from nine years ago for a new middle school and elementary school expansion will be paid off when they begin paying on this project.
MHS band director Mike Connell and English teacher Janet Killough talked about the inconveniences of using Marion City Auditorium for performances.
"I don't want to slight the city building. In its heyday it was great," Killough said. "But we've outgrown it."
Connell explained how his students carry their instruments to the city building from the high school. Custodians transfer equipment and carry chairs ahead of time but students spend so much time setting up, they have just 15-18 minutes to rehearse.
Killough and Connell both believe while the performances are already outstanding, an updated building on school grounds would make them even better.
"It's not just for the students," Connell said. "It's also a real opportunity for our community."
Leiker then asked for questions and comments from the audience.
Residents raised concerns and showed support for the project.
"I think this project would be great," said Marion resident Nick Nickelson. "I don't see why this can't get the ball rolling for economic development."
Don Kraus, a Marion farmer, had issues with taxes.
"If everyone in Marion would pay the same property taxes, I would vote for this project," he said.
Leiker said that wasn't a decision the board could make, since the state sets guidelines based on property value.
Patrons for the project talked about money sub-state basketball and regional wrestling tournaments would bring into the town.
Those against said that money is insignificant.
"It's like adding a bucket of water to your pool," Kraus said.
MHS wrestling coach Chad Adkins said he heard a junior wrestling tournament made around $8,000 for a community, and a high school regional tournament would make even more.
"We're not saying a tournament will solve all our problems," Leiker said.
However he did say businesses downtown would benefit from weekend tournaments, as would the community as a whole because Marion would be showcased to other Kansans.
Other concerns such as drainage on the property where the pool will be located were raised.
"That is something the architects will look into," Leiker said.
While there was obvious tension at times, there was still some continuity between those for and against the project.
"Lee, I do appreciate you can hear my side, disagree with me, and we are still friends," Kraus said.
Earlier Leiker said he appreciated everyone who came out.
"If you came here tonight and listened to the information, I respect your vote," he said.
Another public meeting will be held at 7 p.m. tonight (Wednesday) in the Florence gym.
