$500,000 Murray school bond vote Tuesday

Murray County school officials say bonds are the best way to fix a school in disrepair.

County voters will decide Tuesday whether to approve a $500,000 bond issue to make repairs at Mountain Creek Academy in Eton.

The school dates back to the 1930s and is the former Eton Elementary site. Administrators said the school desperately needs new carpet and ceiling tiles, roof repairs and renovations in restrooms and classrooms. He said the auditorium is closed because of structural problems.

Principal Danny Harkleroad said the bond is the best way to improve the school.

“We do the best we can with the school and we take care of it, but we want a nicer setting for the kids,” he said. “Your environment means a lot and gives you more pride in what you’re doing, and if you have more pride you do better work.”

If voters agree, a bank will buy the bond for $500,000 from the school system and will sell individual bonds to the public. Buyers will get a tax deduction rather than interest, Mr. Harkleroad said.

Some residents oppose the move. Murray Schools finance director Steve Loughridge said people have told him they are against borrowing money in this bad economy.

Mr. Loughridge said the loan will be repaid in eight to 10 years at little or no interest using sales tax revenues collected by the school system.

“This is a good way to get some funding at little or no cost,” Mr. Loughridge said.

Mountain Creek Academy houses about 100 students in grades 6-12 who have had difficulty learning in a larger school environment, school officials said.

Mr. Harkleroad said that doesn’t include children who are violent, but those who need to learn in a smaller setting, often using computer lessons rather than traditional teaching methods.