MANISTEE -- After voting down a millage for putting a new roof on Kennedy Elementary and tearing down a nearby closed, deteriorating building, the Manistee school board met tonight to discuss other options.
The superintendent, John Chandler, said the board needs to spend more time with administrators discussing where the funding will come from, but that things need to be decided and taken care of before they become safety issues. This may mean loans need to be taken out and budget cuts will have to be made.
The community stepped forward, suggesting that maybe a temporary fence can be set up around the closed building until funds are available to tear it down, but keeping kids safe at the same time.
The question of why the millage was voted down also came up. People suggested that there may have been some confusion with another building in town, that the percentage of people voting was low to begin with, or that there are people that simply can't afford the tax increase.
The board decided they want to study the issue more, gather more information, and hold a study session in the future to reach a conclusion. As of this time, they do not know if they will put the issue up for vote again.
They encourage the community to submit comments and input, and suggestions. You can contact the school district or submit ideas online, or attend the next meeting.
