Cement Public Schools seeks $4.2 million bond

Voters in Cement will be asked to approve a $4.2 million bond issue when they go to the polls Tuesday.

Cement Public Schools proposed the bond issue in February 2024 for $4.2 million, to build a kitchen and cafeteria addition. The new cafeteria also will act as a school and community storm shelter that will hold more than 300 occupants. The bond also will cover a campus-wide window replacement.

Superintendent Kevin Brown said the bond has been on the books for years. The bond will extend the taxes with no increase on the property tax. If the tax is 10 percent and the bond is $4.2 million, the bond keeps the tax rate for 13 years for a 13-year bond.

Brown said if the bond issue is approved, construction will begin in August and will take 12 months to complete.

Brown said the new storm shelter can be beneficial by acting as a community shelter, making it open to the public after school hours, if need be.

In-person absentee voting will be held from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday at county courthouses across the state. Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday.