CAVE CITY, Ark. — More than 60 community members joined city and school officials on Thursday to break ground on a $25 million elementary school project set to bring lasting benefits to the area.
The new 75,000-square-foot facility will include a tornado shelter that will be accessible to the public during severe weather. Local leaders noted the long-term impact the new building will have on the community.
“It’s going to impact generations of kids and families here for a long time,” said Cave City Mayor Jonas Anderson.
Funding for the project came from several sources. Superintendent Steven Green of the Cave City School District said the district had saved $6 million, which was supplemented by grants to reduce the total owed. Voters approved a measure to fund the remaining $7.4 million by extending the district’s current 39-millage rate by 30 years.
Green expressed gratitude for the community’s overwhelming support. “It’s a $25 million project, which we take very seriously,” he said. “But without the support of the people that voted for it at an 85% rate, this wouldn’t have been possible.”
Construction of the school is expected to bring significant enhancements to students, families, and the broader community, with the tornado shelter offering an additional layer of safety for Cave City residents.