by Megan Schiffres
LANCASTER—Responding to public demand, the Lancaster board of supervisors voted 4-1 last Thursday to initiate the process for placing the construction of a new school complex before the county’s voters.
Earlier last month, VMDO architects unveiled plans and cost estimates for the proposed consolidated school complex off Mary Ball and Goodluck roads. To replace all three county schools the estimates ranged from $103.9 million to $114 million. Roads and other site work, athletic complexes and a solar system to power the complex would require additional funds.
Board members Jack Larson, Ernest Palin, Jason Bellows and William Lee voted in favor of a motion to direct the county administrator to create a draft of the proposed referendum for consideration by the board at its meeting March 28.
“It is only fair, on a matter of this magnitude, that those who will bear the burden or share in the benefit of this decision long after any of us are still on this board be given the opportunity to be directly involved in it,” said Larson.
Board member Dr. Robert Westbrook voted against initiating plans for the referendum, arguing that it’s unnecessary because the board can afford the proposed schools.
“I believe we can and should do what’s best…
