Mt. Vernon R-V seeks $10 million bond for Performing Arts Center

Bond would have no impact on tax levy if approved by voters
The Mt. Vernon R-V School District is asking voters in Mt. Vernon to approve a no-tax-rate-increase $10 million bond to build a new Performing Arts Center (PAC) when they go to the polls on Tuesday, April 8. If approved, the PAC will be built to connect to the high school building on campus, on the west side. Construction would begin either this summer or in early fall.
Scott Cook, superintendent of schools, said the PAC would be a great asset to the district.
“The addition of this facility would benefit our students, staff, and the community in so many ways,” he said. “The PAC would be used daily for classes and rehearsals. Adequate room for our fine arts is lacking as all three of our programs are outgrowing their current spaces. Plans call for the construction of a new band room, as well. Currently, our band and choir programs share instructional and storage space which leaves both programs at a disadvantage. The new classroom will allow both programs the room they need to thrive.”
Additionally, Cook said, the new band room would double as a storm shelter.
“The band classroom will meet the specifications required to serve as a severe weather shelter large enough to accommodate the entire student and staff population of MVHS,” he said. “A goal of our CSIP plan is to provide severe weather shelters at each of our campuses. This new facility would allow us to provide shelter for our high school campus.”
Cook added that the PAC would serve as a venue for many campus events currently held at the MARC.
“While we have enjoyed a wonderful relationship with the city (of Mt. Vernon), who has graciously allowed us access to the MARC, most of our fine arts and school events have outgrown that space,” he said. “The PAC would be used to host: the Fall Musical and Spring Play, the Show Choir Festival, choir concerts, band concerts, elementary music performances, activity banquets, preschool graduation, the Third Grade Christmas Program, NHS Induction, Senior Scholarship Night, (and) all staff meetings.”
If proposition doesn’t pass with voters
Should voters not approve the bond, Cook said, the Mt. Vernon Board of Education would have to decide whether they would ask the voters again in a future election.
“If the bond issue does not pass, it would be up to the board to decide whether to ask voter approval of a similar issue in the future or to change the plan in some way,” he said. “In either case, the tax rate would remain the same as the district would continue to repay debt accrued from previous bond issues. We are hopeful the community will see this ballot measure for what it truly is, an opportunity to help our students, staff, and community have a facility of which they can be proud and allow our students to flourish in the activities they love.”
For more info:
More information on the proposed PAC can be found on the Mt. Vernon R-V website at: www.mtvernon.k12.mo.us, by clicking on the link titled “Proposition PAC Informational Website”.