The Advance School District is putting a $1.5 million no-tax increase bond issue in the hands of the voters in April. Superintendent Shannon Garner said if the bond passes the school can address the 24-year-old roof on both the high school and elementary school that are in dire need of repair.
The bond would also extend the life of the current bond six years. Additionally, Garner said with the refinance of the current bond, it is hopeful that the money saved would allow it to be paid off in less than six years.
Garner said the district is looking at putting a coating on the roof of the elementary and high school buildings. Garner said the coating carries a third of the cost of roof replacement and has a 10-year warranty. Garner said the coating comes highly recommended by other districts, such as Bell City who has installed the coating. Garner said the areas on the gym roof around the HVAC units would also be coated. The remainder of the gym roof is in good shape and does not require repair.
Garner said the district would make security upgrades to its buildings.
“We are replacing our three main entrance doors with steel doors with smaller bullet-resistant glass windows. The doors will have updated locks and controllable entry,” said Garner. “The elementary and high school offices will gain a security window to allow school staff to interact with visitors without allowing the visitor access into the school.”
Garner said all other secondary entrances would be fitted with new security keyless locks.
The bond would also allow the district to build a bus garage/barn on campus. Garner explained that the new bus garage/barn on campus would allow the buses to be locked up at night and more secure. Currently the buses are parked off campus.
The bond will allow the district to add LED lighting campus wide. This will include parking lots and outdoor areas, providing more light and eliminating some dark spots on campus.
Garner said a school-wide water filtration system would also be added. This will help with the plumbing problems caused by the hard water and make the drinking water safer. The HVAC systems will be upgraded as well. This would allow for better ventilation to help fight the spread of viruses and other health issues.
Garner said the district has a list of other items in need of replacement or repair. The bond will be used for as many of these items as possible.