School seeks bond extension

Brandon–At a special school board meeting Monday the board voted 7-0 to initiate an investigation process for a possible district bond extension.
Gary Kelley, district interim finance director said in 1996 the school millage was at 7.88 mills and voters approved an increase to 8.24 mills. There results netted $34,630,000 for a new middle school and $6,225,000 for a swimming pool. Currently, about $29 million is owed by the district. The loan and bonds will be paid off in 2026 and can be extended a maximum of six years says Kelley.
The taxable value of the district is $587,276,165 which includes sections of Brandon, Groveland, Hadley and Springfield townships. Currently residents with a $200,000 home pay $824 per year in school taxesnd ‘that won’t change,? said Tom Miller, Brandon Schools superintendent.
‘What we’re looking for here is how much we can do without rasing the millage. Our goal is to inhance the districts facilities and technology increasing costs,? said Miller. ‘Once the district needs are determined then we’ll put an actual dollar value on construction.?
The board authorized the investigation and will seek parent and community input during the next few months.