TASD discusses support of plan for new school

The theme and goal of the Texarkana, Ark., School Board was expressed in two words Tuesday during a presentation called “Potential Realized.”

Dr. Becky Kesler, TASD superintendent, explained the goals to the audience in the school board meeting which includes the staff and students will continue to realize their educational potential.

About 63 percent of the students have access to advance placement courses, Kesler said, and at the junior high level, seven advanced placement courses are available.

The district also will ask voters to approve the construction of a middle school without raising taxes, she said.

The Texarkana, Ark., Board of Directors and the Miller County Quorum Court recently approved resolutions supporting the restructuring of school district bonds to fund a new middle school.

Residents will vote on the bond issue in November. If they approve it, the proposed restructuring will not require any new or increased taxes and will be repaid through the existing 13.90 mills for debt services, Kesler said.

“The state has agreed to give us $6 million toward building a new school and leaves us just about $15 million short. The way we’re going to come up with the money is to restructure our bonds,” she said Monday during the city Board of Directors meeting.

The age of some of the school buildings are 50 and 60 years old.

“We pride ourselves for a balanced budget and the maintenance of the buildings. The staff does a good job of keeping the buildings up to standards,” Kesler said.