Redevelopment Corporation Endorses School Bond Issue

Redevelopment Corporation Endorses School Bond Issue - The Missourian: Washington News

Posted: Friday, February 3, 2012 8:00 pm | Updated: 4:45 pm, Tue Feb 21, 2012.

Redevelopment Corporation Endorses School Bond Issue

The Washington 353 Redevelopment Corporation voted to endorse the $65 million bond issue proposed by the Washington School District.

The unanimous vote came at the corporation’s regular monthly meeting Wednesday at city hall.

Dr. Lori VanLeer, superintendent, and members of the committee promoting passage of the bond issue, explained the need for the planned improvements. A video also was shown that highlighted the needs.

Dick Oldenburg, former city economic development director who now works part time as a consultant, said in his many years of experience in recruiting new industries, the availability of educational opportunities ranked high in rating site locations. A skilled labor force depends on education, which includes facilities for training programs.

The educational image a community projects is important to prospects, Bill Miller, Sr., president of the corporation, said.

Speaking and answering questions were Dr. VanLeer and Brad Mitchell and John Freitag of the Citizens for Great Schools committee.

The bond issue will be on the April 3 ballot. A 57 percent majority is needed for passage. The deadline to register to vote in the election is Tuesday, March 7.