OXFORD — Replacing Stewart Elementary School is the focus of a $19.5 million bond issue the Talawanda Board of Education is putting on the Nov. 5 ballot.

        It's a drastic change from the $53.9 million issue voters soundly defeated in May. But it's a change that educators say was needed to garner community support.

        A phone survey this summer indicated that residents in this western Butler County school district of 3,200 pupils rejected the May bond issue because:

        The cost was too high.

        Residents wanted to refurbish-not replace -Kramer Elementary School.

        Many felt construction of a new high school wasn't needed.

        “The board heard a pretty clear message that doing the whole project was just too expensive,” said Superintendent Phil Cagwin. “But 76 percent recognized the need to replace Stewart.”

        The price tag now facing Talawanda residents has been reduced by 68.8 percent and includes construction of just one building and more modest improvements at the other schools. The millage has been reduced from 7.78 to 2.55 mills, which would be paid back over a 27-year period, said Treasurer James Rowan.

        Besides replacing Stewart the bond issue would provide dollars to add gymnasiums at Maud Marshall Elementary, Kramer and the middle school.

        A six-classroom wing would be added at both the middle and high schools.

        Talawanda High would get a new media center and upgrades to lighting and electrical systems. The middle school would get a new roof. All buildings would receive minor roof repairs, door and window replacements, fire suppressant systems and other items to bring the buildings up to code, Mr. Rowan said.

State may contribute

        “We tried to scale the plan back to the lowest millage possible to provide the most urgent improvements,” Mr. Rowan said.

        The work being done would still qualify for state reimbursement of about 24 percent sometime between 2009 and 2011, provided the board completes the facilities plan, Mr. Rowan said.

        “It will address the immediate needs and bring new life to the other buildings to keep them going another 10 years,” said board president Glenn Bailey.

        “All of the stuff we're doing now will maintain the integrity of the buildings for the long haul.”

        Oxford resident John Trump said he was pleased the board scaled back the project. He did not support the May issue but will support the current proposal.

        “I'll give them credit for responding the way they have.They've shown great faith in the people,” Mr. Trump said. “I don't see how anyone could vote against it this time.”

        If the levy is approved, the owner of a $100,000 house would pay an additional $78 annually in new taxes with collections beginning in January.

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