FeedsVan Buren officials approve school bond language
Van Buren Public School District officials approved an application for bond qualification during the board of education meeting Monday night.
The proposed ballot language for the November election will ask voters to approve a 2.98 mill, not to exceed $79,040,000, bond for the improvements, remodeling and replacement of the current Belleville High School. It would also include equipping technology and technology improvements, furnishing and improving the existing site, infrastructure renovation and the equipping of athletic fields.
The bonds would be issued in a series with the maximum number of years not to exceed 30. The estimated millage is about $2.98 per $1,000 of taxable valuation in 2009.
Officials intend to perform renovations on the existing cafeteria and music rooms; technology infrastructure, including a voicemail system, a fiber optic network and library system; site work, like landscaping and the athletic fields; furnishing and equipment, such as carpeting and security surveillance system; demolition and abatement.
According to Wayde Hoppe, project architect, the bond program includes partial demolition of a portion of the existing high school to make room for a larger addition.
“The original high school building was constructed in 1928 with several additions constructed over the subsequent 70 years,” he said. “Several areas of the building are antiquated and too costly to upgrade.
“The newest areas of the high school, including the auditorium and music rooms and cafeteria/kitchen will remain with renovations related to accessibility and abatement.”
Superintendent of Schools Pete Lazaroff was not at the meeting to answer questions because he was admitted to the hospital last week. Tests identified that Lazaroff has Acute Lymphatic Leukemia. Lazaroff was transferred to the University of Michigan Hospital for a biopsy, along with other tests to determine the course of treatment for the cancer, officials said.
Doctors have restricted visits to family only, but cards may be sent to: Van Buren Public Schools Administrative Offices, 3110 Grove Road, Ypsilanti, MI 48198. For more information, contact Kathy Kovach at (734) 697-6381.
