The Dexter Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
School bond addresses needs now
By Evelynn Shirk
PUBLISHED: April 3, 2008
On Tuesday, May 6, residents of the Dexter Community School District will vote on a bond proposal totaling $47,890,000. Much of the bond is directed toward making capital improvements to existing facilities designed, in part, to increase operating efficiencies and reduce operating costs.
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The bond proposal contains many infrastructure projects. To be good stewards of public funds, the board believes it is better to address the needs now rather than risk potential extensive damage and greater expense in the future.
In March 2007, a site visit was made to Dexter Community Schools by representatives of Rebuild Michigan to identify opportunities to reduce energy cost and consumption. Professional consultants will help the district determine which replacement systems will be selected based on the cost, savings and pay back for future energy conservation measures. Savings achieved through energy conservation measures will be redirected into classroom programs, personnel, equipment and technology.State mandates have prompted the placement of two items on the district's bond project list. The new Michigan Merit Curriculum, legislated in 2006, states that all high school students must take at least one year of chemistry or physics. Currently there are not enough chemistry classrooms to meet this state requirement.
The proposed bond provides for the renovation of classroom space to accommodate two additional chemistry teaching spaces at Dexter High School. The second mandate, which was first implemented in 2007, required changing the seasons in which some high school sports are played. Currently, when the locker rooms at Dexter High School are used for competitive sporting events either the pool or the gym may be used, but not both. These areas will be remodeled to accommodate the simultaneous use of both spaces.These projects can be completed with no increase to the current 8.5 mills tax levy. A positive vote will, however, delay the projected reduction of the debt levy by approximately five years.
Complete information about bond projects can be found on the District's web site at www.dexter.k12.mi.us or by visiting the Superintendent's Office in the Copeland Administration Building. A Community Forum will be conducted by District personnel at 7 p.m. on April 10 in the cafeteria at Creekside Intermediate School to explain the components of the bond and to answer questions.
Representatives from the district will be happy to conduct group presentations about the bond. To arrange for such a presentation, call 424-4100 (ext. 1002).
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