Flint Township View

Atherton bond proposal goes to voters Aug. 4


BURTON — Atherton Community Schools will have an $11.4 million bond proposal on the Aug. 4 primary ballot. If approved, the bond will be put toward proposed infrastructure needs.

If passed, there will be no increase to the current tax rate, according to Superintendent John Ploof in a letter sent to parents and taxpayers in the Atherton district.

The proposal is a continuation of the bond that was passed almost 20 years ago, which is set to expire in 2021. The current millage rate is 3.34 mills.

The bond proposal would address student safety enhancements, facility upgrades and improvements to the learning environment throughout Atherton buildings.

Safety enhancements would include secure entryways at the Atherton Elementary School and Atherton Middle School/High School buildings, upgrades to the public address and fire alarms, added security cameras, improved classroom door hardware, magnetic locks to corridor doors and additional emergency alert systems in all buildings.

Planned improvements to the learning environment include upgrades to instructional technology, electrical systems to support classroom technology, updates to mobile learning devices for grades 3-12, new media center furniture and establishing a STEM lab at Atherton Elementary School. There are also plans to renovate locker rooms, science rooms, replacing band room flooring and STEM/CTE equipment at the Atherton Middle School/ High School.

The bond would also fund roof replacements, electrical, heat and cooling improvements, asbestos and hazardous material abatement to the playground at Atherton Elementary School.