Brandon Twp.-From leaking pipes to crumbling bricks to sagging steps, Brandon School officials say it’s time to modernize.
A vote on a district bond extension on May 2 will net the district $74.3 million, dollars needed say school officials to make several major renovations, including technology upgrades and construction of a new elementary school. In addition plans for a new 4,000 seat sports complex, auxiliary high school gymnasium and more classrooms are also considered.
Currently $29 million is owed on the bond set to be paid off in 2026. If approved the bond will be extended until 2032
Key in the bond extension are extensive repairs to the 25 year old high school.
‘It’s beginning to show its age,? says Roger Goodman, maintains director for the district.
‘There’s a lot of mechanical equipment within all the buildings that the public never sees that needs replacement. The current boiler system that heats the high school is seriously lacking efficiency and are costly to upgrade and repair.?
Goodman referred to two large boiler systems currently operating in the high school.
‘The systems need to be replaced not just repaired. With the price of natural gas this year it’s making it expense to operate’it’s not going to get any cheaper.?
Designed to provide students an area to study and relax the court yard area on top of the high school is currently closed to students due to unsafe conditions.
‘Steps have pulled away from the building due to water damage, the bricks are too porus and many are crumbling.?
Goodman points to a large section of brick wall in the court yard area that during a steady rain seeps down the walls into a room in the high school.
‘We have to keep part of the student council meeting room closed due to water on electrical conduit,? he said. ‘We have since shut off the power in that room.?
(Editors note, during the next weeks The Citizen will be examining some of the needs in the school district specified in the bond extension.)