New Bloomfield voters will have the opportunity to ask questions about a $2 million no-tax-increase bond issue on the April ballot. The New Bloomfield Proposition KIDS (Keep Improving District Schools) election committee is hosting a forum to discuss the bond issue and answer questions.
The forum will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday in New Bloomfield High School's cafeteria. Superintendent David Tramel will give an overview of the issue and how the money would be used if voters approve it. Then, he will answer any questions district residents have about the bond issue.
If the bond issue passes, the district will use money to fund facility repairs in the district, notably major parking lot repairs and the replacement of the heating and cooling system. If approved, the bond issue could fund additional repairs if money is left from the main projects.
Brenda Maddox, president of the KIDS election committee, is a current employee in the district and a New Bloomfield graduate. She said she has seen firsthand how badly the district needs facility repairs. Understanding those needs is why Maddox said she volunteered for the election committee.
Since forming last month, the election committee has spoken to community organizations to answer questions regarding the bond issue. So far, Maddox said the election committee has received positive feedback and support from community members.
She said residents they've spoken to recognize the parking lot needs major repairs. And, residents with students in the district were very supportive of replacing heating and cooling units in the district.
"Some of their kids have come home and told them about times when it has been too hot or too cold, when they couldn't get it regulated in the classrooms," Maddox said.
Maddox said Thursday's forum is meant to inform any New Bloomfield residents who may not know a lot about the facility repairs the bond issue would fund.
"In case there are people unaware of it or unaware of what is going on, we'd like to let them know," Maddox said.
At a January school board work session, Tramel told the board projected costs for repairing parking lots districtwide are between $850,000 and $950,000 and estimated costs for replacing heating and cooling units is between $750,000 and $850,000.
"The superintendent, David Tramel, will be there to answer any questions citizens may have concerning the bond issue. We just want people to come out and get what information they need," Maddox said.