By Scott Bolthouse | The Huron Hub |
ScottBolthouse@HuronHub.com
Published March 1, 2019 — 10 a.m.

The Huron community will have the chance to vote May 7 on a bond proposal that, if passed, would allow the Huron School District to make facility improvements — including safety and security at district buildings — and upgrade heating and electricity.

The bond, according to the district, would generate $49,075,000 without increasing the tax rate or mill rate from the previous year’s levy.

It would maintain the current school debt millage rate of 7.0 mills, according to the district.

Donovan Rowe, superintendent of Huron Schools, said that bond funding would allow the district to maintain quality programs and facilities in order to attract and retain students.

“The bond issue process began last year during our push to create a new strategic plan. Over the 2017-2018 school year, the Huron School District interacted with 28 different community and school groups in order to gather information and to develop a solid plan for the future. Based on this plan, it was clear that student safety, student growth, and quality facilities were important to our community,” Rowe said in a letter to the community.

He added: “As a result, the District formed a bond committee in order to explore facility needs and assess the need for a bond issue. This committee consisted of parents, community members, and employees from the school district. The committee met this school year, and at the same time, the District engaged experts to provide a facility needs assessment and student growth assessment. This information led to the creation of a comprehensive list of needs for our school district and for our school buildings. In order to address these needs and raise the necessary funds for the projects, the school district has proposed the bond issue.”

The district launched an informative website that explains where bond funding will be used, a complete list of all building and facility improvements, and a timeline.

Visit the website here: huronschools.org/2019_bond_proposal

Huron Schools Superintendent Donovan Rowe

The district scheduled four community meetings where voters can get more information in person.

Here is the schedule of meetings:

Tuesday, March 12, 5:30 p.m. at Brown Elementary
Tuesday, March 19, 5:30 p.m. at Miller Elementary
Thursday, March 28, 5:30 p.m. at Renton Jr. High School
Thursday, April 25, 5:30 p.m. at Huron High School

“In addition, I would welcome the opportunity to come out and discuss the bond issue with a neighborhood group or school/community organization of your choice.” Rowe said. “Thank you for your continued support and for voting on May 7, 2019.”