Jordan to put $29.45 million school referendum on ballot in March

Jordan Middle School might be getting a makeover if residents vote in favor of a $29.45 million bond referendum set for March 11.

Last month the Jordan school board unanimously approved putting the referendum on the ballot, with the goal of funding a complete renovation of the middle school, including an addition. If passed, owners of an average-priced home valued at $200,000 in Jordan would see an additional $267 in property taxes annually for 20 years.

After reviewing the options of building a new school or remodeling the existing one, the facilities committee decided that the shell of the old building was in good shape, Superintendent Matt Helgerson said.

The middle school was built in the 1960s, with an addition in the '70s. The new facility would have updated mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, as well as a gym addition and modern learning spaces, he said.

"We're looking at building a 21st-century educational space for educating middle-level kids," he said.

The proposed new educational spaces include both traditional classrooms and pod-type areas for group learning. They may also include an open, "e-cafe" concept where students can plug in their devices and learn together, he said.

The district interviewed construction management firms for the project last week.

Now it's the middle school that needs a face-lift, he said.

"There's certainly a need, so we're very hopeful the community will see the need," he said.