The Dixon, Illinois School Board would like to use the 1-cent sales tax to build a multi-purpose building. The school board decided Wednesday that the issue will be decided by voters in November. The district would like a multi-purpose building, because the city is loosing sporting and group events to surrounding cities.
"We did not have enough indoor space to provide opportunities for our children," says Dixon Schools Superintendent Mike Juenger.
Members of the Dixon School Board say the multi-purpose building would have a variety of uses. School sports, theatre, meetings and community events are examples of what the building would be used for.
"I think there have been dozens, if not hundreds of studies that show students involved in activities, whether its sports or activities, get better grades," adds Juenger.
The school board has been discussing a multi-purpose building for more than ten years. Board members say the problem is current schools, like the high school, don't have enough space to accommodate demand.
"We have 19 different teams between our middle school and high school that need gym space in the winter," says the superintendent.
Dixon's Police Chief, who coaches local sports, agrees space is at premium. Some sporting events are held at the Dixon Armory, but the police chief says it's not enough.
"We're out of space," says Chief Dan Langloss, "We've outgrown what we have."
He also says if Dixon wants to grow, it needs more options for sports and programming.
"It's time to make Dixon more marketable all the way around for business and for professionals," adds Langloss.
However, not everyone agrees. One school board members wants the district to do more research.
I think there has been a single focus on lets do a multi-purpose building," says Woody Lenox, A Dixon Public Schools Board Member.
The building will be a joint project between the city, YMCA and school district. However, the district will pay for building the facility.
"We have some buildings that are getting very old," adds Lenox, "As we have to look to renovate or replace them, it's important for us to be able to have the funding in order to do that."
The district is still looking at locations for the multi-purpose building. Since a spot has not been found, there is not a price tag yet.
