LEAVENWORTH — Cascade’s school construction bond is a go for a Feb. 8 election.

After years of discussion and study, the 20 volunteers on a citizen facilities committee passed on their recommendation for a new, less expensive bond to the school board, which unanimously voted Monday to put it on the ballot.

About 50 people sat in on the discussion before the vote, said Superintendent Steve McKenna. The original plan called for a new high school, a new elementary school and remodel a few other facilities, paid for with a bond measure between $63 million and $72 million, McKenna said.

The new $46.4 million bond proposal leaves off the elementary project.

“My sense of the group was they were very supportive of the revised plan, yet there was some caution there,” said Cascade Superintendent Steve McKenna. “We heard things like, ‘Are there still other things that could be reduced? This is still a tough economic time, are you sure want to move forward with it?’ ”

The group talked at length about the two elementary schools, which would be upgraded for some safety and critical needs. Over the next several years, the facilities committee will study whether to save costs by consolidating the two old schools into a new school.

“There seemed to be a fair amount of support with the concept of keeping two schools small in their current location and current design. That seemed to resonate with people,” McKenna said.

The $46.4 million bond would pay for: a new high school, a performing arts auditorium, and improvements to the elementary schools, Icicle River Middle School, Discovery alternative school and sports facilities.

The bond will cost taxpayers an extra 99 cents per thousand of assessed valuation — about $20.63 a month for a home valued at $250,000 or $28.88 a month for a home valued at $350,000.

A committee will begin meeting with service groups and fundraising for campaign costs after Thanksgiving, McKenna said. The campaign will pick up steam after January. Ballots will be mailed Jan. 21.

Rachel Schleif: 664-7139

schleif@wenatcheeworld.com