From The KMIL  News Room

(CAMERON)  For The second time in as many years, the Cameron School Board will ask the public for a new high school.  During a workshop Tuesday, the board reviewed preliminary plans for a new high school complex that includes 109,000 square feet of new construction.  The plans, which were drawn by architect Jim Booher from school staff input, would connect all existing buildings on the campus with the exception of Ada Henderson, which is again being targeted for demolition.  The preliminary plans include a 1,000 seat auditorium, 55 classrooms and offices, and halls connecting Ben Milam, Yoe Main, and the two gymnasiums.  The plans also call for a new weight room to be constructed on the west end of the current field house. 

Board President Gene Vaculin stressed that these plans are very preliminary and are subject to change.   The board is planning a series of meetings with the public, as well as a town meeting to gather community input  before calling for a bond election. 

Preliminary cost estimates range from $14-16 million.  The district expects to gain facility funds from the state that would pay 68% of a $5.8 million bond package.  Any costs above that amount would have to be funded 100% by local funds.  Each Additional $1 million over the $5.8 million would add approximately 2 cents to the local school tax rate.

During the workshop, the board discussed strategies in presenting the package to the public.  The board would have to call for a bond election by March 20^th in order to have the election on May 4^th in conjunction with the school trustee election.