MUNSTER | The School Town of Munster will hold a hearing on Aug. 18 for the first phase of a two-phase proposed school building project.
Total costs for the two components of the first phase are estimated at $5.1 million, said bond counsel Jeff Qualkinbush, of Barnes & Thornburg in Indianapolis.
The first component will add classrooms at the high school in the south courtyard, estimated at $2.3 million. The second component will raze the old Eads Elementary and add classrooms at the new Eads, estimated at $2.7 million.
The public hearing is a legal step the school corporation must take before beginning a construction project. It also informs the public of the district's intent to sell bonds and incur debt.
Qualkinbush and a financial adviser and underwriter from Hilliard Lyons, also of Indianapolis, will each give a 10-minute presentation.
Each will describe what the projects include and what the costs and tax impacts will be.
Afterward, the public will be allowed to ask questions and provide comments.
Individuals must state name and address and comments will be limited to three minutes so everyone's opinion can be heard.
The School Board will then either approve, not approve or table the two resolutions for phase one.
If approved, the district will put a notice in the newspaper detailing the financial information. Residents will have 30 days to request remonstrance.
If the resolutions are tabled, then the hearing must be reopened at a later date and the public will again be invited for comment.
The second phase will not be under consideration at the hearing but includes upgrading the sports fields, the current high school pool, and technology throughout the district, said Sue Vauter, director of building and grounds.
Once the natatorium is complete, the existing pool space would be turned into classrooms. Qualkinbush said costs are still being evaluated for phase two.
If approved, the first phase could break ground in November, but would not appear on the tax rolls until next year, said Assistant Superintendent Rich Sopko.
