By Dewey Terrill
JC Post
Geary USD 475 Board of Education members have voted 7-0 to put a planned new early childhood center on District owned property at 820 North Eisenhower in Junction City. That is the site where the former Junction City High School facility used to be located.
The District plans to enter into a lease purchase agreement totaling an estimated $35 million. There would be a 10-year loan repayment plan at 4.5% with federal impact aid being used to help retire the loan.
During the meeting Thursday evening Board members expressed concern about the aesthetic appearance of a chain link fence near the site for the ECC, and that it would not be appropriate next to a $35 million building
A facilities committee will be asked to discuss and prepare a five-year plan for developing and maintaining the entire site, which will also consist of land not utilized by the early childhood center. Board member Jason Butler noted that he wants the site, "to look incredible." He commented that the chain link fence is not aesthetically pleasing. Board member Ron Johnson also noted that he wants "to see a five-year plan and a plan to maintain what we have."