by Theodore Wiesehan

    Centennial parents and area residents determined that the northeast section of Centennial school would be the best place for a fine arts addition at a public meeting March 6.
     "There never was a unanimous vote," Centennial Superintendent Dr. Brian Maher said, "but there was a consensus."
     The plan would add a 550-seat auditorium to the north end of the school's east side. It would also expand the current high school entrance, adding a lobby, rest rooms and administrative office.
     "That would...make it a safer point of entrance," Maher said. "It would provide administrative presence at the point of entrance."
     After the school day begins, all other entrances would be locked, allowing school administration to monitor all persons entering and leaving the school.
     The renovation would also include removing the current superintendent's office to make room for a concession and storage area as well as increased commons space. It would also create additional parking areas in front of the school.
     Cost estimates for the additions and improvements logged in at slightly more than $4.5 million.
     Members of the public and Jim Berg of Bahr Vermeer & Haecker Architects, Ltd., Lincoln, were to present the plan to the Centennial School's Board of Education.
     "If the board is in favor of the proposal I think they will head to the people to ask for support of a bond issue," Maher said.
     For a 15-year bond on $4.5 million, the levy would be eight cents (or $80 per $100,000 of assessed value). A 20-year bond issue would bring a levy of about 7 cents.