Since the special board meeting on April 29, and even previous to that, I have received a lot of comments from patrons about why the district doesn't just leave the middle school as is and build a new high school.  Unfortunately, the answer is money.  The State of Missouri dictates how much bonded indebtedness a district can incur based on the property tax assessments for that district.  The district has approximately $9.7 million of available bonding capacity but in order to maintain the current tax rate of $.53 per $100 of assessed valuation, the district can only issue an additional $9 million in bonds.  If the district wanted to bond in excess of the $9 million, it would require additional money - up from the current $.53 - and the Board of Education is adamant that they do not want to increase the current $.53 debt service levy to the taxpayers.
When the middle school was built, it was planned and publicized for it to be a first step project.  The Board of Education at that time knew that a new high school was needed and they planned for the middle school project to be that first step to getting a new high school.  We are fortunate that the time has come that we will be able to complete this project.  St. James also has two large buildings in town which need to be considered in any new building plans.  Many local people have sentimental attachments to the old high school building and want to see it preserved.  It is the current Board of Education's plan to do that.  However, the condition of the old building (it is over 100 years old) along with concerns about fire and ADA safety in the second story of the building make it unsuitable for student use any longer.  The district plans to use the second story for much needed storage along with meeting rooms and/or training facilities for staff.  If you are curious about the old building and want a tour, contact this office at 573-265-2703 to arrange a time.  We would be happy to show you the concerns that we have.