School Sets Wheels in Motion for $39M Bond Issue

A consultant has recommended $70 million in improvements to Wyandotte Public Schools facilities, and the school board is seeking $39 million in bonds to pay for the high priority items.

The process was set in motion last month when the school board approved an application for preliminary qualification of bonds submitted to the state Treasurer for the purpose of financing the project, the Southgate News-Herald reports.

A thumbs up by state officials would allow the district to use the state’s more favorable bond rating, which would theoretically reduce costs.

If the state approves the request, the question could go before voters on Feb. 24.

“Some of our sites were built in the 1920s,” school Supt. Catherine Cost said. “There comes a time when you can’t repair anymore. We’re concerned with boilers, roofs and windows with broken seals. The board met to decide what is the next step to continue to maintain our facilities and they decided a bond renewal would be the best way to go.”

Among the improvements that have been assigned priority status:

• Replacement of artificial turf at Roosevelt HIgh School football field;
• Improvements to bleachers to make them compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act;
• Changing or adding entrances to enhance security;
• Remodeling the school so visitors would be funneled into an office before accessing the rest of the buildings.

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