Question have arisen about the location of the proposed new elementary school. Some people would like to see it built near the middle and high schools instead of  near the current location, as a way of consolidating all of the district’s school resources.  Mr. Jon Abrams, Superintendent, has addressed this question, referring to studies done by previous bond committees.

Why Not Build South of MHS?

The School District owns some of the land across Jenkins Avenue from Malad High School.  However, running utilities, including water, sewer, electricity and fiberoptics, sufficient for a new school building would be very expensive as well as delaying the construction of the new building. The proposed ball fields would not require the same type or amount of utilities.

Additionally, previous studies have found that Jenkins Avenue, the road in front of Malad High School, is already congested before and after school and any special activities. The danger to all students from increased traffic should a new 400-student elementary school be built near the high school and middle school is a major concern.  Additional bus traffic plus parents picking up and dropping off elementary students would greatly increase the traffic, parking and pedestrian problems in that area.  Malad is not generally a high traffic area, with the primary noticeable spikes in traffic congestion coming during the hours during which schools begin and let out.  Consolidating the traffic would significantly amplify the problem.

Why Not Build North of MMS?

The amount of land owned by the School District north of the Middle and High Schools is not enough for the proposed one-story elementary school. Playground, parking and access space would not be possible in that small area currently used mostly by Middle School students for physical education classes and intramural sports.

Safety concerns would also increase should the new school be built north of the High School and Middle School.  New roads, traffic patterns and parking areas would have to accommodate the increase in number of cars and pedestrians.

Why Build in Current Location?

The School District owns the entire city block where the current elementary is and where the old high school was located. Utilities are already in place and would just have to be extended to the new building. There is plenty of space for a new, larger playground for the elementary school students in the current location.

Students would also still have access to ball fields and play areas on Harding Field, which would not be impacted by the proposed construction of the new school, mostly on the site of the old high school. Expanded parking and more convenient traffic patterns would be designed once the new school is built.  In the final analysis, experts from previous studies have cited safety, efficiency, and reduced costs as the most important reasons for pursuing the proposed location, as opposed to the high school and middle school block.  

Bond Information

The bond election for the new elementary school is scheduled to be held on March 14. Polls at the Event Center will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Early voting will be available at the Recorder’s Office at the Courthouse from February 27- March 10. Ballots will be mailed to Precincts 5 and 6 (Holbrook and Stone); mail-in ballots must be received no later than March 14.

At least 2/3 of voters (a supermajority) must vote “Yes” on the bond initiative in order for the bond to pass.  While the School District has its share of the $29 million price tag for the new school plus demolition and baseball and softball fields, it must qualify for the State’s share (over $12 million) in order to afford to build the new school.

Because the School District has its share of the cost of the new school on hand, a “YES” vote will not result in an increase in taxes and a “NO” vote will not decrease taxes for Oneida County property owners and residents.

The school board is committed to transparency in this process.  For more information, see www.oneidaschooldistrict.com or call Mr. Abrams at 208-534-6050 ext. 412 to schedule a one-to-one or small group meeting with him.