BURTON ISD CONSIDERS TRIMMING COSTS FOR NEW BOND PROPOSAL
Burton school officials say they are looking at how to trim costs in order to present a bond proposal more likely to be approved by voters. 
The Burton school board met Thursday to discuss a master facility site plan that is being looked at again after voters rejected the $18.5 million bond issue in November.
Burton voters cast 556 votes against the bond issue, and 389 votes for it. If the bond issue would have passed, it would have required a 31 cent increase in the District’s tax rate, with the average homeowner’s taxes rising $494 in 2017 (on a house valued at $159,000).
The improvement plan included additional classrooms, expanded science labs and an increase in cafeteria and kitchen space. The plans also included a new band hall, a new high school competition gym and a new football field with an eight lane track.
Burton Superintendent Dr. Edna Kennedy says another proposal could be brought to voters in May, but that would mean it would have to be called next month- with many trustees saying the timing could be too soon.
The Burton ISD school board will continue the discussion on the master facility site plan next Thursday during the regular school board meeting.
The Burton board of trustees will meet Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the administration office, located at 701 North Railroad Street.