Linton-Stockton School Corporation is moving forward with plans for approximately $19 million in building renovations and facility improvements, with construction expected to begin in April 2027.
In response to an inquiry from The Lintonian, Superintendent Tim Grove provided additional details about the proposed improvements, construction timeline, and anticipated financial impact on local taxpayers.
The project includes construction of a new two-court auxiliary gymnasium with a walking track, expansion of the existing weight room, and the addition of five classrooms at the middle/high school. Plans also include resurfacing the existing track and renovating portions of the middle school and its gymnasium.
Construction is expected to take approximately 18 months. The final project cost will be determined following completion of the bidding process.
One of the primary considerations for residents is how the improvements will be financed and whether the project will result in higher property taxes.
According to Grove, the corporation intends to finance the improvements while maintaining its existing debt-service tax rate at approximately $0.85.
The district plans to accomplish this by retiring debt associated with previous building projects and using the resulting debt-service capacity to finance the new improvements.
Grove noted that when the current high school was completed in 2000, the district’s debt-service tax rate was $0.94.
“Our goal is to keep the overall Debt Service tax rate at approximately $0.85,” Grove explained.
While the district expects to avoid an increase in its debt-service tax rate, that does not necessarily mean individual property tax bills will remain unchanged. Property assessments and other factors can influence the amount taxpayers ultimately pay.
Additional financial details, including the amount and duration of any new borrowing and the total anticipated interest expense, were not included in the superintendent’s response.
Beyond the financial considerations, Grove emphasized that the improvements are intended to address existing space limitations and scheduling challenges.
He explained that the corporation’s athletic facilities are heavily utilized, with some student athletes practicing as late as 9 p.m. on school nights.
The additional gymnasium and expanded weight room are expected to help relieve scheduling pressures, allowing students more time for homework and family activities. The five additional classrooms would also help address space limitations within the school.
The proposed improvements represent a significant long-term investment in the school corporation’s facilities. While district officials anticipate maintaining the existing debt-service tax rate, the final construction costs and financing details will be important considerations as the project progresses.
The Linton-Stockton School Board is scheduled to meet Monday, November 16, at 6:30 p.m. in the Linton-Stockton High School Connections Center.