By Tippi Rasp Staff Writer
Voters overwhelmingly OK’d bond issues in school districts in three counties Tuesday.
Drummond, Timberlake and Mulhall-Orlando voters OK’d measures to fund improvements at schools. Bond issues require at least 60 percent approval.
Drummond
Drummond voters approved by 76 percent and 77 percent two propositions to fund improvements worth $500,000.
One Drummond proposition will provide $380,000 for building improvements, which in-cludes a boiler system, flooring and technology upgrades. The second proposal is $120,000 to replace two high-mileage buses and a large sport utility vehicle.
Proposition 1 is a $380,000 measure to fund improvements at the school. The school’s boiler system and several old heat and air units are slated for replacement. Superintendent Vic Woods has said the systems are nearly 30 years old, and maintenance workers have a difficult time finding parts to fix them. A new boiler system would cost about $54,000, and the heating and air units could cost $70,000.
The school also needs new flooring in the hallways, bathrooms and weight rooms. Woods said administrators have looked at rubberized flooring or tile that would offer a longer lifespan. That improvement would cost $130,000 to $140,000.
Any funds remaining could be used for technology upgrades. The elementary school needs a computer lab, Woods said.
Proposition 2 is for $120,000 and will help replace two aging, high-mileage school buses and one large sport utility vehicle.
Timberlake
Seventy-three percent of Timberlake voters approved a proposition for $210,000 to replace two buses and purchase an SUV and an economy car for teachers or drivers’ ed classes.
An SUV, most likely a Chev-rolet Suburban, could transport small groups of students to academic or track meets. Superin-tendent Brent Rousey said ad-ministrators will look for a vehicle that can get 30 to 35 miles per gallon.
The district, which encompasses Jet, Nash, Helena and Goltry, can no longer afford to replace parts or the time spent working on the buses.
Mulhall-Orlando
Voters in Mulhall-Orlando Public Schools district approved two proposals totaling $220,000.
Proposition 1 passed by 80 percent and will be used for $160,000 for constructing, equipping, repairing and remodeling school buildings and acquiring furniture, fixtures or equipment.
Proposition 2 passed by a little more than 80 percent and is for $60,000 for transportation equipment.
