Pulaski Schools Referendum Decided Tuesday
PULASKI-- In Pulaski there has been a heated debate over an extra ballot item this Tuesday; a $33 million referendum for the school district which will be decided on Election Day.
The signs are everywhere in the Pulaski school district. Supporters hoping the referendum will pass, while others say it’s just not worth it.
"We're in favor of anything that will make a kid a better kid, but we don't necessarily think that spending 7 point four million dollars for a new pool and another 5 million for an athletic complex is the way to get that done,” said Jerry Smith with the a group called It’s OK To Vote No.
The $33 million dollar referendum will pay for new athletic facilities and upgrades to classrooms and libraries. Property taxes would go up about $82 on a $100,000 home. Pulaski schools superintendent Mel Lightner says the district is in a good position regardless of the outcome of Tuesday’s vote.
"The people will decide the future because that's democracy, that's what we do in America, we vote and the majority rules,” Lightner said.
Pulaski seniors Cody Wichmann and Jordan Stiede will be voting in their first election Tuesday and both say they'll vote yes.
"We need to compare to other schools in the conference and have what they have, I think it will just bring our community closer,” Wichmann said.
But opponents say spending millions to maintain school buildings and add athletic facilities that won't be used by every student is not a sound investment.
If the referendum passes, construction will begin in April.
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