DATE: October 30, 2014

RELEASE TIME:  IMMEDIATE

CONTACT SPOKESPERSON:  JENELLE COLVIN/BOARD PRESIDENT jcolvin@midland-7.org

The Midland Board of Education has voted to enter into a contingent contract to purchase approximately 35.97 acres of real estate at a cost of $12,500 per acre.  The property is located on the northern edge of the City of Lacon and would be utilized as a potential site for a new school construction project. The contract is contingent upon a majority of the district’s registered voters approving the issuance of bonds for the purpose of paying costs to construct a new school. This contingency ensures that the taxpayers of the district will not be required to purchase the land until approved by referendum. The earliest date to seek voter approval will be in the Consolidated Election held in April 2015. 

The selection of this property as a potential site of new construction stems from a Life Safety Survey mandated by the Illinois State Board of Education. The survey revealed several million dollars worth of repairs that would be required to continue the safe and compliant operations of the Midland Elementary Building. Entering into this contingent contract will allow the option to meet the district’s long term facility needs on a new green space. Several important considerations went into the selection of this site, including: the close proximity to city utilities, the ability to access city streets, and adequate space to ensure sufficient parking and safe traffic flows.  Use of such acreage was also considered for future expansions, potential rental income, and school programs utilizing farm land.

The Midland School District will host a series of community engagement events in the coming months. The goal of these engagements will be to seek input from district residents and stakeholders on the construction of a new school building on this property. These events will allow all interested parties to openly exchange information and share their ideas or concerns.

It is the intent of the Midland School Board to offer the most viable option to the Midland School District that will meet the educational goal of the district and maintain some local control.