Houston School District patrons received a look Thursday night at floor plans and exterior sketches that would result in construction of a new high school and make improvements to other structures on campus.
Representatives of Sapp Design Associates, a Springfield firm, sought input from those gathered in the second of three planned forums before voters decide the issue. Patrons reviewed two designs – a more traditional one and another with a more modernistic look. Both were designed to connect with nearby Hiett Gymnasium.
Other work on campus would benefit middle school teachers and students, as well as improve library services.
Voters will decide two issues on the April ballot for the $7.5 million project. A $5 million bond issue would not require any increase in the levy. The second issue – a lease-purchase agreement – to complete the scope of the work would result in an increase of about 43 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. The school district also would likely capture funds under the federal stimulus package.
Those attending the meeting were surveyed on their favored architectural style, whether they favored the issue and the preferred method of communicating about the issue to patrons.
In a previous forum, 62 percent of those attending favored the issue and supported efforts to memorialize the old high school building in the design of the new structure.