A school bond issue on the ballot in Willard next week would pay for a new intermediate school and a new track at the high school.
The ballot issue April 4 asks voters to approve a $19.5 million bond issue, which would result in no increase to the debt service levy.
According to Willard Schools Superintendent Dr. Kent Medlin, four percent of the money would go towards the new track.
"Our track surface has deteriorated to the point that it cannot be fixed due to erosion of the foundation of the track by groundwater, Medlin said.
The rest would be used to build the new school on 19 acres adjacent to Willard’s Orchard Hills Elementary on Mt. Vernon St.
He says the current Willard Intermediate School is at capacity.
"We literally have a building that is shoulder to shoulder with students...and we always try to keep our eye focused directly on the students, and they need room, and we need more classrooms," Medlin said.
According to Medlin, by 2019 enrollment in grades five and six in the Willard District is expected to increase by 80 to 100 students. There are two elementary schools located south of I-44, including Orchard Hills, and Medlin says they are the two fastest growing schools in the district.