Barrington school leaders got word this week that they qualify for a fraction of $30 million in state grants for 1998 construction projects.
Days before a $69.9 million bond issue to renovate eight schools goes before voters on Tuesday, news that the growing district qualifies for state money to reduce tax-supported construction debt was welcome. The district will not know how much cash, if any, it gets until April, when the state ranks eligible districts based on need.
Need is based on population growth, district type and size, and local property wealth.
The district would not get the money if voters do not approve the bond sale to finance a $46.8 million renovation of Barrington High School and a $22.1 million renovation of seven elementary schools, nor would it get the money unless it began construction in 1998.
“It is good news, but of course the referendum has to be passed,” said district business manager Alan Hahn. The grant money would be funneled to taxpayers in the form of tax abatements, Hahn said.
Last month, the district learned it would not qualify for any state grants earmarked for 1997 construction projects. Supt. Jon Lamberson then lobbied the State Board of Education in Springfield to change grant eligibility qualifications.
