2024 PUTNAM SCHOOL BOND - BUILDING ON EXCELLENCE

The Putnam County Board of Education (PCBE) has approved a BOND ELECTION ORDER for $49.87 million for the November 5, 2024, General Election ballot. The election order specifically calls for a new Hurricane Middle School (HMS) and health and safety improvements to outdoor athletic facilities at Buffalo High School, George Washington Middle School, Hurricane High School, Poca High School, Poca Middle School, Winfield High School, and Winfield Middle School. The Putnam County Board of Education requested the West Virginia School Building Authority (WV SBA) contribute $25 million toward the new Hurricane Middle School — almost half the total cost! However, this funding is contingent on the passage of the bond and the approval of the project by the WV SBA.

HAVE QUESTIONS? Check out BOND FACTS or the 2024 BOND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS PAGE!

SCHOOL BOND RACK CARD

A NEW HURRICANE MIDDLE SCHOOL

The current Hurricane Middle School (HMS), built in 1950, is overdue for replacement. The new school will be built adjacent to Hurricane High School on property owned by the Putnam County Board of Education. The new state-of-the-art-facility will be approximately 117,000 square feet, including:

• Media/STEM Lab
• Competition Gym & Locker Rooms
• Music & Band Rooms with Auditorium
• Flexible Outside Learning Spaces
• Separate Bus/Parent Drop-Off

The Putnam County Board of Education requested the West Virginia School Building Authority (WV SBA) contribute $25 million toward the new Hurricane Middle School—almost half the total cost!

This funding is contingent on the passage of the bond and WV SBA approval.

• ZMM ARCHITECTURAL RENDERINGS OF HURRICANE MIDDLE

NO TAX RATE INCREASE

The 2024 Putnam School Bond will not increase tax rates compared to the 2009 bond, which funded new schools in Buffalo, Winfield, Poca, and Confidence. In fact, there will be a tax rate decrease.

The passing of the bond will also create a positive economic impact for Putnam County. It is estimated that for every dollar spent on construction, approximately $3 to $5 will be spent on additional or ancillary services that go directly back into the community.

TAX CHARTS FOR PROPOSED TAX RATES FOR THE 2024 BOND COMPARED TO 2009

HEALTH & SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS

Bond funds will address safety issues for outdoor athletic facilities. New ADA-compliant bleachers will provide greater access to all community members.

New field lighting, press boxes, and updated electrical systems at the athletic facilities will create more energy-efficient sites, reduce maintenance costs, and save significant dollars for county-wide academic and athletic needs.

The following schools will be impacted by the 2024 Bond Health and Safety Improvement Projects:
• Buffalo High School
• Hurricane High School
• Poca High School
• Winfield High School
• George Washington Middle School
• Hurricane Middle School
• Poca Middle School
• Winfield Middle School