West Rusk parents advocating a bond for new school building

NEW LONDON – Parents are pushing for the 2025 school bond project which includes a new elementary building. According to our news partner, KETK, it would be the third time voters are asked this question following two previous failed attempts.

West Rusk parents who drop their children off every morning at the elementary school said they are concerned with the current conditions. Some of the problems include leaks, aging floor, mold and have termite damage in their classrooms and windows that leak during rain.

“My daughter cannot run in the gym in certain spots because the floors buckled up so high and kids will trip and fall,” concerned parent Nathan Bishop said. “The kids have to bring their own water because we can’t drink out of the water fountain.”

“With it being 90 years old, there are things that obviously just do not work for this day and age and our children deserve a safe and new place to go to school,” concerned parent, Megan Clader said.

According to the district, if passed people who own a home valued at $200,000 would pay around $126 more in taxes each year.

“An average price is $146,000 and some change, and the average house would pay $35 and some change per year that’s $2.95 a month,” Superintendent Lawrence Coleman said.

Taxpayers should not see an increase if they have applied and received the age 65 freeze. The new elementary school would add safety features and be located in the current school’s parking lot.

The bond is up for vote again on May 3. Parents are urging their fellow neighbors to support the measure and are recommending that undecided voters visit the current school to see the issues themselves.