Early voting began today for the millage for the new intermediate school! We need your YES vote between now and next Tuesday, August 8th!
A public meeting will be held in the EHS Cafeteria this Thursday, August 3rd from 5:30-6:30pm. Participants will view a presentation and be able to ask questions about the proposed millage.
Here’s some frequently asked questions for those who are still curious!
To view the full informational PDF, CLICK HERE.
FAQs
Why do we need a new intermediate school?
Yocum Elementary School has exceeded its lifespan. At 95 years old, the maintenance (electrical, plumbing, roofs, structure…) on the building is becoming excessive and expensive.
It’s time for the next phase in our goal of fulfilling our mission that every student deserves. As we continue in the PLC process, we understand that collaboration is vital to the success of our students. In order to do this more effectively, this new intermediate school would provide teachers an opportunity to work as one team for the benefit of all students. The building configuration would build a sense of community and belonging as well as allow for a seamless transition from one grade to another.
The new facility will be located at the old El Dorado High School location on Timberlane Drive and will have two areas, one for grades 3-4 and one for grades 5-6. There will be top-of-the-line security features, including separate bus and car traffic flow and air filtration and fresh air systems.
What happens to grades K-2?
Hugh Goodwin and Northwest Elementary, which have just received additions this past year, will remain K-2 buildings. Yocum Elementary will no longer house students, and Yocum Primary will eventually become a Pre-K building.
What happens to Washington Middle School and Barton Junior High School?
A decision will have to be made in the next several years on where to house 7-8 grade. We have had several situations at WMS that were not safe. Before we make a move that area needs to become safer. I do not believe the board nor myself are interested in putting children in harm's way. If the millage does pass, we will have several years before we have to make a decision on BJHS and WMS. If the area around WMS does not become much safer, then my recommendation to the board at that time will be to keep the 7-8 grade at BJHS.
I don’t have kids that young. How does this affect me?
Even if your children or grandchildren are not eligible to attend the new intermediate school, chances are, you will know someone who will. Our community will benefit as a whole from a state-of-the-art learning environment that fosters a sense of community and belonging during a pivotal developmental period. Research shows that “students with a strong sense of belonging are more likely to be engaged in school and perform well academically.” (1) As the future of our community, it’s our responsibility now to ensure we have the means to prepare them to be productive citizens.
Is there a request to increase the total millage rate for the proposed intermediate school?
Yes, the El Dorado School District is requesting a 5.0 debt service mill increase. If approved, the District’s total new millage rate will be 38.5 which will still be the lowest in the county.
How will the proposed millage increase affect the amount of real estate tax I am required to pay?
| Property Value | Property should be assessed at 20% | Current Millage Rate (33.5) | Proposed Millage Rate (38.5) | Annual Difference | Monthly Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25,000 | $5,000 | $167.50 | $192.50 | $25 | $2.08 |
| $50,000 | $10,000 | $335.00 | $385.00 | $50 | $4.17 |
| $75,000 | $15,000 | $502.50 | $577.50 | $75 | $6.25 |
| $100,000 | $20,000 | $670.00 | $770.00 | $100 | $8.33 |
| $125,000 | $25,000 | $837.50 | $962.50 | $125 | $10.42 |
| $150,000 | $30,000 | $1,005.00 | $1,155.00 | $150 | $12.50 |
Millage Rates for Other South Arkansas School Districts:
| School District | County | Millage | 2021/2022 3rd QTR ADM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magnolia | Columbia | 33.0 | 2,582 |
| El Dorado | Union | 33.5 | 4.066 |
| Camden-Fairview | Ouachita | 34.0 | 2,130 |
| Bearden | Ouachita | 34.9 | 485 |
| Hampton | Calhoun | 36.7 | 513 |
| Emerson-Taylor | Columbia | 37.4 | 1,086 |
| Strong-Huttig | Union | 39.0 | 301 |
| Hamburg | Ashley | 39.5 | 1,544 |
| Parkers Chapel | Union | 39.8 | 784 |
| Crossett | Ashley | 40.0 | 1,510 |
| Junction City | Union | 40.9 | 493 |
| Smackover | Union | 41.0 | 1,014 |
| Hermitage | Bradley | 41.5 | 396 |
| Warren | Bradley | 41.5 | 1,447 |
| Harmony Grove | Ouachita | 45.8 | 874 |
Millage Rates for School Districts with Similar Enrollment as Ours:
| School District | County | Millage | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville | Pulaski | 48.30 | 4,093 |
| El Dorado | Union | 33.50 | 4,014 |
| Lake Hamilton | Garland | 40.20 | 4,008 |
| Searcy Special | White | 35.70 | 3,980 |
| Greenwood | Sebastian | 40.60 | 3,856 |
| Marion | Crittenden | 45.70 | 3,828 |
Institute of Education Sciences, “The Importance of Student Sense of Belonging” https://safesupportivelearning...