In the case of a bond election for improvements at the Lometa Independent School District, the decision rests in the hands of local residents.

A community meeting is scheduled Monday at 6:30 p.m. in the school cafetorium to obtain public input on the matter of school improvements and a possible bond election.

“We would like to see how the community feels about a bond election -- both pros and cons -- in order to determine if there is enough support to call for a bond election,” said Lometa ISD Superintendent David Rice.

A bond would pertain to the construction of a new gymnasium with athletic dressing room facilities, a concession stand area, and public restrooms to accommodate the need of both basketball and football seasons.

Existing dressing rooms would see renovations, with the present girls’ dressing rooms turned into two additional classrooms, and the boys’ dressing room converted into a new science classroom and a laboratory facility.

While estimates on the cost of construction are not available yet, exact figures will be provided at the meeting along with projected tax increases and state contributions to the project.

“Our science lab is extremely outdated, and we are very much in need of a new science lab,” said Rice. “Additional classrooms are also a necessity.”

The present gymnasium poses problems for the school district due to its condition and size, while the dilapidated state of the football stadium’s bathroom and concession facilities also are an issue.

“We have inadequate seating during games, and the gym is in need of a new floor,” the superintendent said. “We need to tear down the old concession stand and in its place construct a modern building where the public can use the restroom and purchase concessions.”

Members of the Lometa ISD Board of Trustees and school administrators will be on hand at Monday’s meeting, which will include a presentation from the district’s architect showing building options and cost projections.

Rice and board trustees encourage community members to attend the forum and share their ideas in regard to a bond election.