BENTONVILLE — Information gleaned from a survey will help the committee campaigning for a second high school this summer, said Michael Poore, School District superintendent.
The phone survey was paid for by a “private business group,” Poore said. He declined to be more specific. He said the survey targeted registered voters who have participated in at least two of the last four elections.
The district is pursuing a 2.9-mill tax increase in a Sept. 17 election to build a second high school on Gamble Road in Centerton. Voters defeated a 6.7-mill tax increase proposed for the same purpose last year.
Poore said the survey showed residents appreciate the district has lowered the cost.
“Also, they’re aware of our need,” he said. “The awareness factor was off the chart. Eighty-seven percent knew what the issue was. Our challenge is to use these messages and make sure people have a clear understanding of the package and why it’s so important.”
Bentonville High School’s enrollment is projected to top 4,000 in the 2013-14 school year and 5,000 by the 2016-17 school year.
District officials didn't request the survey, Poore said. The business group approached the district about it.