Published: November 10, 2009 10:50 am      

Am-Po district seeks bond to improve sites

By ELLIS GOODWIN

Staff Writer



The Amber-Pocasset Board of Education is holding a special election today to vote for a bond that would improve the school facilities.

They board seeks a $600,000 bond to renovate, repair, and remodel existing school sites.

“The communities of Amber and Pocasset have always been strong supporters of the school and through that support the district has provided a safe and supportive environment for the education of our students,” said Superintendent Chad Hance. “The repairs and upgrades would allow us to bring capital improvement to both aging school buildings.”

Hance said the funds would make much needed improvements to the outside and inside of the two buildings.

At the elementary school the board will use the funds to replace windows and doors with new energy efficient, double paned glass. The board will also purchase new energy efficient lighting to improve the aesthetic appearance of the school. Hance also said the funds would be used to renovate a hallway at the elementary school that is deteriorating. He said the vinyl covered sheet rock has become unglued to the wall, and they must replace it with new sheet rock.

“It will give a more modern aesthetic look to our school buildings, and hopefully we’ll save some money on energy costs” Hance said.

At the high school, it is planned to replace HVAC that are 30 years old and high inefficient. Hance said they also have plans to convert an existing classroom into a computer lab, which would greatly increase the learning potential of students at the high school.

“We’re giving [the schools] an overall total upgrade,” he said.

Hance also said that there have not been any major renovations or repairs to the school restrooms for quite some time.

Renovations would enhance sanitary and safety conditions at the high school building, while improving the aesthetic as well.

Other proposed improvements include a drainage system on the west side of the building to prevent classroom flooding.

The Amber-Pocasset school district currently has a bond indebtedness of $500,000 used for transportation.

If passed, this bond will increase taxes by 7.26%; this translates into an increase of 60 cents per month ($7.26/year) for each $100 of taxes being paid, according to Hance.