Danville District 118 School Board members discussed a wish list last night of capital improvements they would like to see in the local schools. Those items include everything from science labs and a guidance office suite at Danville High School to additions of a gymnasium and couple of classrooms at Northeast School, along with an addition to the Kenneth D. Bailey Academy.
School Board President Bill Dobbles said now is the time for citizens to make suggestions on improvements they would like to see in Danville’s Public Schools. But he also noted the building needs will likely be discussed during the strategic planning process.
‘’We could have a wish list (but) it costs money,’’ said Dobbles. ‘’So for any of the things to be added to the budget now then we would need votes to get it added to the budget.’’
District 118 Business Director Heather Smith says there is a possibility that some of the district’s debt could be restructured to pay for some of those items. She says the district has about 13 years to go to pay off its current debt, but that could possibly be restructured to 20 years.
Also last night, District 118’s proposed new $80.1 million dollar budget was placed on public display. The board is scheduled to approve it next month.
And Skip Truex, the Director of Buildings and Grounds, told board members that Danville High School will be ready when school opens next week. Truex says final touches are being placed on some restrooms which were completely renovated over the summer, and the new elevator at the high school should be operational by the middle of next week.