The Marion County Board of Education meets in a special session to session to review and discuss survey results on a new bond call.

The results show that folks in the Marion County are more likely to support a $30 million bond than a $60 million bond.

FOR THE $30 MILLION BOND:
51% SUPPORT IT
43% OPPOSE IT
6% DON'T KNOW

FOR THE $60 MILLION BOND:
43% SUPPORT IT

The survey included 300 Marion County residents, 100 from each the county's three magistrate districts. The new bond gained support in two of the areas, but still lacks support in West Augusta.

NEW $30 MILLION BOND:
PALATINE: 59% SUPPORT
MIDDLETOWN: 63% SUPPORT
WEST AUGUSTA: 30% SUPPORT

If the Board decides to go with the $30 million bond, they'll be able to focus most of their campaigning in the West Augusta area.

Now that they've reviewed the survey results, they have to decide which bond call they want the county to vote on and when they want to hold the election. Most of the board members agree to hold it during the next primary election and don't want to hold a special election on the issue.

The Board has done extensive research on both the $60 and $30 bonds and they say they really want to do what county residents support.

Superintendent James Phares says this Board has gone above and beyond to make sure they know the wishes of the county.

The Marion County BOE will vote at their meeting on September 4th on which bond they'll pursue.

MORE ABOUT THE BONDS:

$60 MILLION BOND CALL - THE SUPERINTENDENT'S ORIGINAL PLAN
-Residents pay an average of $0.55 a day for 25 years
-Includes a new North Marion High School
-Renovations to the other 2 county high schools
-Separates gymnasiums and cafeterias in elementary schools
-Includes access roads

$30 MILLION BOND CALL - THE ALTERNATIVE PLAN
-Residents pay an average of $0.25 a day for 25 years
-Renovates all 3 county high schools
-Renovates middle schools
-Does NOT include adding access roads
-Separates gymnasiums and cafeterias in elementary schools
-In contingent on a $30 million grant from the State School Board Authority.

MORE ON THE SURVEY RESULTS:

Of the 43% opposed to the $30 million bond:
- 22% would change and vote for it after knowing the School Board Authority will put up matching funds
- 19% would change and vote for it after knowing they're only paying $0.25 a day

Of the 51% for the $30 million bond:
24% are 50 years old or younger
76% are over 50