Pekin prepares for bond election next month

            As the Pekin Community School District prepares for a $5.5 million bond referendum on February 7, Superintendent Dave Harper has been meeting with community members to discuss the proposed General Obligation Bond and answer any questions to the best of his ability.

            “I have met about 30 or more people at the school for tours, and many others at event across Packwood, Richland, Ollie and Hedrick,” Harper said. “Many have thoughtful concerns about our bond issue, and these events allow me time to address those concerns.”

            Harper, who entered his position as Superintendent at Pekin in the late summer, cannot attempt to sway voters, but rather inform the public of what projects are being proposed and the cost to them. Since the high school building was constructed in 1960 and the elementary in 1978, no major renovations have been completed at Pekin. The process began on day one of his shared position, as the Pekin Board of Directors discussed what areas of the school needed work during a chain of work sessions. By the beginning of the 2016-17 school year, Harper was tasked with collecting enough names for a petition.

            “As we considered what this schools needs and wants, it became clear we needed to fix a few things,” Harper said. “Security was a concern, and our facilities are not all handicap accessible. With our proposed renovations, we are about making Pekin into a 21^st century environment for our students.”

Please view the January 25 edition of The News-Review for the full story.