Clinton Central renovations approved

MICHIGANTOWN, Ind. (WLFI) - A referendum to renovate two Delphi schools was voted down Tuesday. That is the same day Clinton Central School officials got the approval to move forward with renovation plans.

In February, voters overwhelmingly voted against a $22.5 million renovation project at Clinton Central Junior-Senior High School and elementary school. But school officials still had options. They could either wait another year and present the plan again; or they could retool the plans and hold another hearing.

Superintendent Philip Boley said they decided to rework the project. The school board held a public hearing on May 15th to review the plan. The public had 30 days to file a petition.  

"Monday was the end of the 30-day period and there were no petitions filed so we can go ahead with our substantially revised project," Boley said.

The project was reduced by about $10 million. It now has a $12.7 million pricetag.

"The biggest cut came from the fact that we eliminated the auditorium," he said.

Boley said the plan does include necessary improvements to heating and cooling system and upgrades to windows in all the buildings. Additionally, new lockers and cafeteria at the elementary school will be added.

As for changes to the tax rate, Boley said it will be less under this plan.

"The tax rate would have been increased by about 65 cents with the old plan. It is less than half of that now," he said.

Boley said construction will begin in Summer 2010.

On Tuesday, Delphi voters voted against a similar referendum to finance renovations at the Delphi Junior and Senior High School. Superintendent Ralph Walker said it is up to the school board to figure out how to proceed from here. He does not foresee anything happening before the re-organizational meeting schedule in July.