All projects listed in the original 2003 school bond proposal were completed in 2007, with $6.5 million left over. Those funds have been spent, reported administration to the school board.
The $83.7 million bond, plus about $1.6 million earned in interest, was used to construct school additions district wide, as well as remodeling, technology, playground and parking lot improvements, athletic fields, and other capital-improvement projects.
‘Added value? projects across the district included new marquee signs, roof work, improved utilities, asbestos removal, building security systems, and replacements of the former South Sashabaw Elementary School with an athletic field.
By law, bond money, which is a loan borrowed from the state, must be used for capital improvements. It cannot be used for operating expenses, such as teachers? salaries.
Spending included $72,164,935 for construction, $7,184,122 in technology, and $5,917,804 for furniture, furnishings, and equipment.
‘Every project came in under budget, which allowed us to do other things listed in the bond application,? said school board President Stephen Hyer.
Major projects included a 24-classroom addition at Sashbaw Middle School, eight-classroom addition at the community education building, and six-room addition at Pine Knob Elementary.