CAVE CITY, Ark. – Cave City School District residents will head to the polls Nov. 18 for a special election to approve restructuring existing debt, a move that would fund a new 72,000-square-foot elementary school without raising the current 39.0 millage rate.
The district announced Monday that the plan involves extending the current millage to generate $7.44 million, part of a total project cost estimated between $25 million and $27 million. The state has already approved $12,751,334.26 in Partnership Funding, but the district must secure its local share to access those dollars.
Combined with $6.1 million already saved in the building fund, the restructured debt would cover the remaining gap. The 39.0 millage rate is below the state average, and the proposal includes no increase—only an extension of the existing levy.
The new K-5 facility will replace the current elementary school, whose core structure dates to the 1960s with multiple additions over the decades. District officials described ongoing costly repairs to plumbing, roofs, HVAC systems, and other aging infrastructure.
The modern building will include a secure single-entry system, comprehensive video surveillance, and a community safe room available for public use when students are not present. All grade levels will be housed under one roof for the first time.
“Our current elementary has served us well, but it’s time for an upgrade that matches the excellence of our students and staff,” the district said in its release. “This new school will give our youngest learners a safe, state-of-the-art environment to build their academic foundation with the latest technology and safety features.”
Cave City School District ranks 19th out of 250 districts statewide and holds the top spot among schools in Sharp, Independence, Izard, and Lawrence counties.
Early voting begins at the Sharp County Courthouse. Election day polling locations include Next Door by Bailey’s in Cave City and Evening Shade Faith Assembly of God.
District leaders urged community support, calling the project “a deserving addition” that residents can take pride in for generations.
