Lometa voters soon will be asked to vote for a bond issue to provide a new gymnasium and renovations to the current dressing rooms.

Superintendent David Rice said taxpayers will be asked to support a bond between $4 million and $4.8 million for projects.

The Board of Trustees of the Lometa Independent School District plans to call the bond election in January in time for May board member elections.

Town meetings will be scheduled, and a community committee will be established with 12 to 15 members.

“I asked the board at Thursday’s meeting to bring a list of names to the December meeting so we can set up a committee,” said Rice. “If the community doesn’t buy into this, it’s not going to go. And the community needs to be educated about the bond election.”

Rice said he should have figures available in December for the exact amount of a proposed bond issue plus the number of pennies on the tax rate it will take to raise the money to pay for it.

A bond election was called by the Lometa ISD about 10 years ago, but funding was based on a grant from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and state money. When Lometa did not qualify for the state funds, the bond issue became null and void.

The nine-year superintendent said bids for a construction manager-at-risk could be let in late January or early February.

“I feel like the community will go for this because they know there is a need, and they see we use our tax dollars wisely,” said Rice.

In addition to a new gymnasium that is double the capacity of the current facility, money will be earmarked to renovate boys’ dressing rooms into a science lab and a science classroom, and the girls’ dressing room into two more classrooms.

Some state funding for building projects is available, and Ron Greiner of Government Capital Securities -- the school district’s financial manager -- will sort through the numbers, said Rice. The company specializes in small-school financing.

Mike Nelson, an architect from NR2, was selected as the project architect. Nelson undertook that same role for the district’s new cafeteria space.

If the bond issue passes voters’ muster in May, Rice hopes construction will be finished and new facilities ready by August 2011.

“Our current gym is just outdated,” said the superintendent. “The facility seats 250, whereas the new gym will seat about 450 to 500. It also will feature a concession area and public restrooms for both basketball and football.

“As superintendent, I am excited about this project,” Rice said. “I think we need it for our kids. We have larger classes coming up, and we have to accommodate them.”

Rice said 43 prekindergarten students and 28 kindergartners are enrolled this year, and facilities for those grades will have to be expanded eventually.

“This is a good time to build,” he said. “Prices are lower, construction is hungrier, and that makes it a good time.

“As of right now, there is unanimous support from the board of trustees and from all of our administrators.”