22-05-2025
Mountainburg School District mill increase fails in 2025 school election
CRAWFORD COUNTY, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — It has been nearly six decades since Mountainburg Middle and High School has updated its cafeteria. And it will be at least a little longer before that update is done, as residents voted against proposed changes in the 2025 School Election.
Mountainburg School District Mill Increase
The Mountainburg School District needed voters to increase the millage rate by 3.9 to 'support students and provide a high-quality learning environment,' according to a Facebook post. But 87%, or 395, of voters voted against the millage increase.
Ryan Rose seeks re-election
'This funding would allow us to build a new middle school/ high school cafeteria providing a modern, warm, safe and dry kitchen and student dining space. Voters will decide on this investment in May 2025, ensuring we can meet both current and future student needs,' the post published on April 29 stated.
School officials said that the cafeteria is nearly 60 years old and needs updates.
'…with three faulty roofs with frequent and recurring leaks,' school officials said on a webpage. 'The space lacks adequate insulation and refrigeration. Systems including roof, foundation, plumbing and HVAC are at or near end-of-life. Facility Conditions Index score is Below Standards and must be brought to standards.'
Currently, the school has allocated nearly $1.2 million towards construction in state partnership funds.
What now?
The school said the nearly $1.2 million is at risk of being lost if a request for an extension isn't approved. The district is also at risk of losing funding due to a decrease in the State Wealth Index.
'The District could re-apply in future cycles, competing with other districts,' school officials said on the website. 'State Wealth Index (based on a number of factors and statewide ranking) at the time of approval for this project was 67% of a formula cost per square foot. Our rank in State Wealth Index has decreased 14% points over the past decade, meaning the District will qualify for decreased funds in future projects (approx. 58% at present rates).'
The district has created a nonprofit, The Dragon Foundation, to raise funds for improvements to athletic facilities such as baseball field lights, stadium improvements, etc. For more information, contact the office at 479-369-2121.
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