Alcona Schools Looks to Pass Bond Proposal
Alcona Community Schools has a $20 million bond proposal on the ballot that would go towards infrastructure improvements for their elementary, middle and high schools.
On November 7, northeast Michigan will have the opportunity to vote yes or no on a $20 million bond proposal from Alcona Community Schools that will upgrade several areas of infrastructure.
These upgrades include such things as an upgraded wood shop, new furniture and equipment, updated classroom and learning spaces at the middle and high schools, a new multi–use recreational building, secured entry and vestibule, and replacement of the parking lot at the elementary school. “We’ve had three, four different builds throughout the course of 60–plus years, but never really a remodel,” said Dan O’Connor, superintendent. “So this would not be a comprehensive remodel, but it would be enough of a remodel to make a good dent into some of our needs and really set the district up long–term facility wise and infrastructure wise.”
The new infrastructure also includes a livestock learning center building for the agri-science program at the high school. These new upgrades have the chance to be beneficial for students education and everyday lives. “What we’re trying to do is make sure we’ve got the best environment possible for learning and not have to deal with any distractions because of failing infrastructure or potential security,” O’Connor said. “Parking lots are another component of that too. We’ve got some traffic flow problems on campus as we’ve changed sizes grown, there might be more students driving, and so we need to address some of those needs too.”
With this proposal being the only item on the ballot, it’s a chance for Alcona Community Schools to find out what the community wants for their schools. “It’s strictly just to determine whether or not we’re at a place community–wise to be able to support this,” said O’Connor. “Tax increases are never popular, and our job is just to communicate where we’re at and then seek feedback from the community at that point, which we’ll get on November 7.”
If approved, construction would begin at the schools next summer.
