Southgate Community School District Supt. Jill Pastor.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
SOUTHGATE – Southgate Community Schools will seek a zero-tax-rate-increase proposal on the March 10 ballot, which would keep the current 5.85 mills that the district levies per household at the current level.
School officials estimate that the bond would generate $59.475 million to fund projects.
Favorable interest rates and the impetus to update classroom technology, and the need for safety and security enhancements are cited as key reasons.
Preserving existing school facilities and infrastructure have a measurable impact on the value of housing stock, as well, school officials contend. Students at each grade level would see the impact within two years, official said.
The $59.475 million would be focused on four areas: infrastructure, safety and security enhancements, technology upgrades, and fine arts and fitness upgrades.
The facility upgrades planned include: restroom improvements; the replacement of elementary classroom flooring; upgraded classroom furniture; replacement of older lighting fixtures with light-emitting diode fixtures; plumbing, electrical and heating, ventilation and air conditioning upgrades; and roofing replacement.
Safety and security enhancements sought would enhance video surveillance systems, construct safe and secure entries for school buildings, and would install classroom safety egress windows, which provide increased blast and shatter resistance, and provide a means to exit a building in an emergency.
The district also plans to replace critical electrical equipment and emergency generators, and exterior concrete at select locations to improve site safety.
Technology improvements include upgrades to infrastructure and lab computer devices, as well as providing new learning devices to students. The district also plans to introduce new technological teaching devices to enhance classroom learning.
Fine arts and fitness upgrades include a new pool and weight room at Anderson High School, and the installation of athletic field turf.
The high school auditorium would also be remodeled, with new seating, aisle lighting and acoustic improvements. In additional, new musical equipment would be purchased.
School officials said the improvements will impact all students in a meaningful way within two years, and will help foster a positive community-wide learning environment.
To learn more, go to southgateschools.com/bond, or contact Supt. Jill Pastor at 734-246-4600 or [email protected]