BURTON ISD BOND 2021: A LOOK AT PROPOSED ACADEMIC PROJECTS
On Tuesday, voters in Burton ISD will decide whether to approve $43.8 million in funding for new projects in the school district.
(courtesy Burton ISD)
Early voting for the Burton ISD bond election is underway, and over 300 people have voted thus far. The bond encompasses proposed improvements and upgrades to academic and athletic facilities across the district.
In the first of three previews of the election with Superintendent Dr. Edna Kennedy, KWHI will go over the planned academic additions and renovations, which include expansion of the high school and junior high school, new classrooms, safety and security upgrades and other facility improvements.
Dr. Kennedy says rising student enrollment has led to crowded classrooms, which makes it harder for teachers to give individual attention to students.
(courtesy Burton ISD)
The bond includes funding to expand the elementary school into the existing junior high school, add 15 new classrooms along with new science and technology labs, renovate the Rock Building for specialized classrooms and community use, and provide new offices and work spaces for staff. It would also provide for the expansion of the nurse clinic, the completion of an enclosed connection for district buildings and new entries for the junior high and high school, and improvements to parking and drainage.
Dr. Kennedy says the bond also seeks to address the need for extra space in the cafeteria and kitchen.
The proposed improvements in the cafeteria and kitchen include an increase of cafeteria capacity from roughly 260 students to around 350, an extra serving line, a covered outdoor eating area, additional foodservice options and the potential for a culinary arts program.
(courtesy Burton ISD)
The last bond passed by Burton ISD was in 2008, which funded the building of a new elementary school and gym, bus barn and the Ag Building. The last bond proposal, valued at $18 million, was rejected by voters in 2016.
Early voting for the bond election continues through Friday at the Burton High School auditorium. Voting hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. today (Wednesday) and Friday, with extended hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday). Election Day is Tuesday, and polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Burton Community Center for Precinct 4 voters and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Gay Hill for voters in Precinct 3.
KWHI will take a closer look tomorrow at the athletic and fine arts portion of the bond.
More information on the bond is available at www.burtonbond2021.com.
(courtesy Burton ISD)