The current building is in disrepair and does not meet state handicap accessibility codes.

School leaders are ready to get out in the community and spread the message about the need for a new school.

Right now there are major repairs that need to be taken care of and it seems like building a new school may be the best option.

Ozark City Schools Superintendent Michael Lenhart said, "There's never a good time, but if there's a better time than others I would say it's now."

Superintendent Lenhart is one of many school leaders ready to start the construction of a new high school. There's just one roadblock - funding.

Lenhart said, “The city council has said they want us to let the people vote on this and the way to do that is to take it to the people in the form of a tax referendum."

Voters will see that 10 mil property tax referendum at the polls in March. Until then, students will continue to learn at Carroll High School, where leaky ceilings, broken windows and water damage are prevalent.

Carroll High School was built in 1975. Now officials say the cost to maintain the building doesn't make sense financially.

Lenhart said, "Carroll High School is a money pit. We poured 300k into the school last year just to maintain it. It's on its limit technologically."

If the tax doesn't pass, Lenhart said, "If this referendum doesn't pass, the school board is ready to get with the city to partner with them to get this school built."

The city could break ground on a new high school in 6 to 12 months if the referendum passes.

If the tax doesn't pass, the school board is looking to ask the city to increase sales taxes or utility costs to help cover the cost of a new high school.

Right now Carroll High School is not handicap accessible. The new school would be built up to code and could include a basement for students to go to during severe weather.