2024 BOND REFERENDUM

14 days ago

BOND REFERENDUM

TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2024

7 A.M. TO 7 P.M.

Absentee Ballots Available now

The Lamar County School District will hold a bond referendum on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, aimed to construct new schools within our district. We understand that decisions regarding taxation and public spending are significant and require careful consideration. However, we believe that investing in new schools is crucial for the growth and success of our community, our children, and our future.

As our community continues to grow, it is essential to have adequate infrastructure to accommodate this growth. Building new schools not only meets the immediate needs of our current population but also prepares us for future changes. This investment demonstrates our commitment to fostering a thriving community where families can establish roots and prosper.

Strong schools are often a driving factor for families when choosing where to live. By investing in new schools, we not only enhance the educational experience for our children but also increase the attractiveness of our community. This, in turn, can positively impact property values and stimulate economic growth.

Our children are the future leaders, innovators, and change-makers of tomorrow. By investing in their education today, we are investing in the future prosperity of our community. Building new schools reflects our dedication to providing the best possible opportunities for our children to succeed and thrive in an ever-changing world.

We understand that supporting a school bond referendum involves financial commitment, but we firmly believe that the benefits far outweigh the costs. Together, let us seize this opportunity to invest in the future of our community.


OVERVIEW

  • Why is this Bond Needed?
    • This bond issue will allow us to address current and projected enrollment numbers in the fastest growing areas of our county.

  • How does this bond impact Lamar County Residents?
    • Residents may experience a Maximum of a 2.5 mil increase in property taxes.
    • An example of the potential impact to a tax payer with a:  
      • $100k House = $24.96 per year
      • $15k Vehicle  = $11.28 per year
      • approximate yearly increase of $36.24 
    • It is expected this increase in property taxes will decrease over the duration of the bond as our county experiences continued growth.
    • Visit Delta Computer Systems to view the current tax valuation of your property.
  • Where do I vote? (Polls will be open from 7 A.M. to 7 P.M.)
    • Lumberton precincts will vote in the LUMBERTON HIGH SCHOOL GYM - 7920 U. S. Highway 11, Lumberton, MS 39455 
      • Click on here to see a map of where to park and the traffic flow at LHS.
      • Lumberton Precincts voting in the LHS gym are:
        • LUMBERTON 
        • YAWN

    • Purvis & Baxterville precincts will vote in the PURVIS HIGH SCHOOL GYM - 220 School Street Purvis, MS 39475 
      • Click on here to see a map of where to park and the traffic flow at PHS.
      • Purvis and Baxterville Precincts voting in the PHS gym are:
        • PURVIS 
        • SOUTH PURVIS
        • BAXTERVILLE
        • GREENVILLE
        • PINE GROVE
        • OKAHOLA

    • Oak Grove Precincts will vote in the OAK GROVE MIDDLE SCHOOL GYM - 2543 Old Highway 24 Hattiesburg, MS 39402
      • Click on to here see a map of where to park and the traffic flow at OGMS.
      • Oak Grove Precincts voting in the OGMS gym are:
        • RICHBURG
        • ARNOLD LINE
        • LAKE SERENE
        • OAK GROVE
        • NORTHEAST LAMAR
        • WESLEY MANOR
        • BRELAND
        • KINGSMILL
        • CANEBRAKE
        • LAMAR PARK
        • MILL CREEK 
        • MIDWAY

    • Sumrall precincts will vote in the SUMRALL HIGH SCHOOL GYM - 184 Center Avenue Sumrall, MS 39482
      • Click on to here see a map of where to park and the traffic flow at SHS.
      • Sumrall Precincts voting in the SHS gym are:
        • SUMRALL
        • ROCKY BRANCH
        • ORAL
        • OLOH

  • What to expect on election day? (Tuesday, May 14th, 2024 - 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.)
    • Special parking areas will be designated at each location and marked with signs.
    • Extra staff and security will be available to help.

  • Can I vote absentee?
    • Yes. Absentee ballots are available now.


WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THIS BOND?

  • Lumberton
    • A new Physical Education (P.E.) facility
  • Oak Grove
    • A new Oak Grove Middle School 
      • 2 story structure built on Hwy 98 West on 16th section land that the school district already owns.
      • 6th, 7th, and 8th grades with a capacity of 1,400 students. (OGMS currently has 1,250 students)
      • The building will have a Competition Gymnasium and Band Hall.
      • The current OGMS:
        • The building on Old Hwy 24 will be renovated for the 11 Oak Grove Pre- Kindergarten classes.
        • The back of the campus (Old Hwy 11 entrance) will be converted into Career and Technical Education Classes.
    • A new Oak Grove Elementary Office Building
      • The current office space will be converted back to classrooms.
  • Purvis/Baxterville
    • A new Purvis High School
      • 2 story structure built on Hwy 11 on 16th section land that the school district already owns.
      • 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades with a capacity of 900 students. (PHS currently has 610 students)
      • The building will have a Competition Gymnasium, Band Hall, Choral, Practice/P.E. Fields, and JROTC.
  • Sumrall
    • A new Sumrall High School
      • 2 story structure built on Hwy 44 on 16th section land that the school district already owns.
      • 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades with a capacity of 900 students. (SHS currently has 630 students)
      • The building will have a Competition Gymnasium, Band Hall, Choral, Practice/P.E. Fields, and JROTC.


TIMELINE

  • The 2005 bond issue will be paid in full in June 2025. We will begin site preparation soon after the new bond passes and plan to start construction of the new schools in July 2025 


RENDERINGS OF THE PROPOSED SCHOOLS