BURTON RESIDENTS HEAR ABOUT PROPOSED SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTS

  

The Burton Volunteer Fire Station was filled Thursday evening with residents eager to hear about the proposed facilities improvement plan for the Burton Schools and the associated 18 million dollar bond issue.  Burton Superintendent Dr. Edna Kennedy said that the improvements were needed to meet the expected growth in the district.  Currently, Burton has 425 students enrolled this fall and that number is expected to exceed 500 by 2025.  The improvements will also bring the facilities into ADA compliance and improve the overall security on the campus.

Architect Tim Gescheidle reviewed the proposed improvements that include additional classrooms, expanded science labs, increasing the cafeteria and kitchen space and a new band hall.  A new high school competition gym is planned where the current football field is located.  A new football field with an 8 lane track is proposed for the area north-west of the current field.  The proposed project will also address drainage issues with the campus.

Financial advisor Dusty Traylor explained that the total project cost would require an 18 million dollar 25 year bond.  District administrators hope the bond issue can be placed on the November ballot for the voters to decide on.  If passed, Traylor explained what effect the bond would have on the average homeowner in the district:

The meeting was organized by the Building a Better Burton School group and they have several more planned.  The next informational meeting is scheduled for Thursday August 18th and is expected to include County Tax Appraiser Willy Dilworth.