SEBASTIAN COUNTY : Greenwood asks land in Fort Smith for school
Posted on Thursday, June 26, 2008
FORT SMITH — Fort Smith city directors next week will consider annexing property so that Greenwood can build a new elementary school.
The property, at Howard Hill and Rye Hill roads, is among three sites that Greenwood School District officials want voters to consider for a new elementary school in a Sept. 16 millage election.
The property is near where Fort Smith recently annexed land for residential development and is in an area designated for growth. The land is inside the Greenwood district’s attendance zone.
Acting City Administrator Ray Gosack said the school district wants to build within a city so that it has access to sewer and municipal fire and police protection.
A memorandum from Gosack to city directors said a school in that area will shorten driving time for school buses and parents and would encourage development.
Greenwood Superintendent Kay Johnson said the school district would help pay for extending sewer service into the area and the necessary road upgrades needed to handle school traffic.
The district plans to build a $ 14 million school for 700 students, Johnson said. It will seek a 5-mill property tax increase in the September election to pay for the school.
The current millage rate is 38. 7 mills.
Some city directors oppose the proposal. Kevin Settle said as the city grows south, the Fort Smith School District should extend with the city boundaries.
He also said developers have told him they are having a hard time selling houses in the area because they would be in the Greenwood School District.
Johnson defended the district after the meeting, saying it is one of the best in the state and that many people have transferred children from private schools so they could attend Greenwood schools.
City Director Rick Parrish said he also opposes the annexation. He said the city is considering upgrading roads for a Greenwood school when it has been unable to afford needed improvements to Jenny Lind Road for 10 years.
Steve Tyler said he favors the annexation because it would encourage development in that area.
The city directors were told that it would be difficult to change the school district boundaries and that Fort Smith school officials have said the district can’t accommodate more area or students.
Greenwood needs the elementary school to meet the growth in student population, Johnson said. Without it, temporary buildings may have to be built for the overflow, said School Board President Clema Jean Nichols.
Some parts of Fort Smith already are in the Greenwood School District, including Riley Farms and the residential development off Spring Mountain Road across U. S. 71 in south Fort Smith.
FEEDBACK:
Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online
