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Show Arehitfeetf selected!, bosiirdl commixed o new high school Late Thursday the Uintah School Joard unanimously chose the nation irm of Dana Larsen Roubel as the ar-:hitects ar-:hitects for the proposed high school and luditorium. Although the firm will begin to do 'round work for the construction of the yo facilities, they won't be paid for their jffort unless the bond passes in February x) allow the construction of the buildings. "One of the main reasons the board selected Dana Larsen (Roubel)," said superintendent Phil Ellis,' "is they offered of-fered more than the others. Dana Larsen Roubel presented the ward with a "full service" approach as ;he architects. The firm pledges to use ;heir resources to evaluate the district's needs and implement them into the design of the building. The firm also showed figures that by purchasing some material nationally they could save the board 16 to 17 percent in the cost of the building. The firm also has a very low change order average which representatives represen-tatives of the firm said would save the district additional funds. The firm also provides services for assisting in the passage of bond elections. elec-tions. Of over 200 buildings built by bonds with the firms help, 95 percent of the bonds passed. The board also reaffirmed their committment com-mittment to building the new high school and auditorium by passing a resolution providing for a special bond election to be Feb. 22, "for the purpose of submitting submit-ting to the qualified electors of Uintah County the question of the issuance of $17,000,000 school building bonds." Emphasizing the desire for continued citizen input and understanding, the Uintah Uin-tah School District Board of Education formally acted Thursday, to establish Feb. 22, 1983, as the bond election date for voter approval of up to $17 million in school building improvements. "Public meetings held throughout the district over the past two years, input from our Citizen's Advisory Committee, and the staff's analysis, have led the Board to request broader public understanding, and on Feb. 22 a decision on our children's educational future," stated Gary Taylor, newly elected Board President. The bond election proposition asks voter approval to finance the construction construc-tion of a new high school to be located in Ashley Valley and an auditorium at West Junior High, on the west side of the county. "The building program could cost as much as $17 million" stated Mr. Taylor, "but if bids came in for less we would bond for less' he stated. The Utah State community Impact Board has awarded the district a $4.3 million, 5 percent loan contingent upon voter approval on February 22. Presently Present-ly the District could sell its bonds in the public market at an interest cost of ap- proximately 9.5 percent. The low interest, long-term state loan would save property owners more than $2 million, Taylor predicted. By building a new high school in Ashley Valley, the district would gain a junior high in the present high school for eighth and ninth grades, and an elementary elemen-tary school by converting Vernal Junior School into a middle school for grades six and seven, Superintendent Philip Ellis explained. The new high school would be a "comprehensive" "com-prehensive" facility offering an expanded expand-ed basic and vocational program. "This expanded learning would prepare our kids not only for higher education but for increasing technical and vocational op- portunities here at home", Ellis said. Richard Tolley, School District Clerk, projects a 2.48 mill increase in property taxes for repayment of the full $17 million. "If our district bonded for less the increase would be less." he said. "Even with the projected mill levy increase, in-crease, the over all district mill levy would remain among the lowest in the state" Tolley said. On a $75,000 home, taxes would increase about $37.50 a year. "Over the next few weeks the district, the PTA, and volunteers will be attempting attemp-ting to communicate our student need to all. We invite questions and concerns. Public meeting will be announced," Taylor said. |