GRETNA - The Gretna community will be voting on the biggest bond issue in its school district's history on election day.

Gretna Public Schools has placed a $258 million bond issue on the ballot, which will go towards the construction of the district's second high school, third middle school, and eighth elementary school. Superintendent Dr. Rich Beran says the new buildings are necessary due to the rapid growth the community is seeing.

"We've been growing at an annual rate of anywhere from 300-500 students a year, so if you do the simple math that's an elementary every couple of years," Dr. Beran said. "Our elementary schools have been growing more rapidly at that age level, and now we're seeing more students push into the middle school and high school age."

Data from Gretna Public Schools says that K-12 capacity is currently at 95%, and that the high school is expected to be over capacity in 2023. The bond would increase the district's tax levy by just over 7 cents, which would equate to an annual tax increase of $143.36 for a home valued at $200,000.

The bond also includes a new competition pool which will be built in conjunction with Gretna Crossing Community Rec Center, as well as a multi-purpose room addition to Gretna Middle School. Six bonds have been passed in Gretna since 1994, with the most recent bond in 2018 going towards two new elementary schools and various other facility improvements.

Dr. Beran says the community has shown tremendous support for the school district through the last six bonds, and that quality of education has played a major role in Gretna's growth.

"People move here for the school system and they realize it's an important part of their lives," Dr. Beran said. "They've supported it throughout all of these campaigns, and they realize that we're a district of 86 square miles so the growth is just going to continue."

If passed, the new high school would open in fall 2023, the elementary school in fall 2024, and the middle school would be open by fall 2025.