Some Dryden Elementary School fourth-graders use the school's computers twice a week. If the school district's bond issue passes it would finance $400,000 worth of technology. Photo by JENNIFER DECKER

If approved, the proposal would provide funds to make improvements at all district properties, provide technology improvements, and purchase new buses.

Dryden School Superintendent Tom Goulette said approval of the bond would not increase the current bond millage rate - 2.24 mills. It also would not extend the length of the current bond debt. It would raise $2.3 million to address current district needs.

"This proposal just makes sense because by just refinancing the current bond we can renew technology, keep a safe bus fleet, and build appropriate parking lot for Dryden Elementary," Goulette said. "We can also improve a number of classrooms in a cost effective manner. Basically, this bond would simply allow us to build on and continue the work done through the last bond issue."

The last bond issue passed in the district was in 2002. It financed an addition at the elementary school that was for technology, a modern media center, and office space. It also included district-wide technology upgrades, three new buses, improvements to the baseball and softball fields, a new high school parking lot, repaving of the elementary bus loop, new security systems for both buildings, and a variety of general improvements to district buildings and grounds.

Goulette said he was impressed with the amount of work that was done from the last bond's financing. "The community got great value in terms of improvements for the size of the bond," he said. "The 2002 bond totaled about $6.87 million. We need this current bond to protect the investment that was made by the community six years ago."

The Board of Education's intention at developing the new bond proposal was to create a cost-effective way to continue work done through the last bond. Board President Glenn Hojnacki is proud of the realistic conservative proposal. "Students must learn current technology to be competitive in this economy. All of our technology is at least five years old now and it is simply out of date. Our buses are also five years old now and the elementary parking lot just has to be completed. The bond isn't for extras - it is for need."

The new bond would provide $400,000 to make improvements to technology primarily in terms of hardware at both the elementary and Dryden High School. The technology improvements are aligned with the district's technology plan.

At the elementary school, the bond would finance a new permanent parking lot with safe in and out lanes. Also included is a new short-term parking area near the office at the front of the building, including improved parent access to a new preschool and latchkey areas. "Renovations to the elementary building would remove all classes from the small, hot, and outdated second-story classrooms," said Todd Bidlack, elementary school principal. "Appropriate art and band rooms would be developed and new outdoor playground equipment would be installed on site."

The bond issue would provide financing if the district considered additional property for purchase.

Financing from the bond would allow the high school to install water treatment equipment to meet the new federal standard for arsenic in public drinking water. Also, some high school classrooms would be converted into a new fine arts wing, aimed at helping students meet the fine art requirement of the new Michigan Merit Curriculum, which is a graduation requirement in Michigan. A new exercise facility for the physical education and athletic programs would also be developed.

The bond would allow the district to continue improvements to outdoor athletic fields and to parking areas at the high school. The developments include a new restroom and concession building. It also provides a small restroom building and playground area at Cardinal Field.

"The small improvements at Cardinal Field would benefit the schools, but they would also benefit the entire community year-round," Goulette said. "This idea is a result of the prior discussions we've had with representatives of the village and township governments and with many other community members. We know that to be a healthy community, Dryden's children need appropriate places to run and play."

Goulette said without passage of the bond issue, funding for buses and technology would have to be taken directly from the same funds for teachers and classroom supplies.

"There simply isn't room in the general fund to provide students and community members with the technology, transportation and other vital programs needed for successful schools," Bidlack said.

Sue Lowney, Dryden bond issue representative said the issue is something positive the entire community should get behind. "Most importantly, this won't raise our taxes," she said. "It's maintaining what's been started. I'm excited about the technology, which would affect all the classrooms. I am so excited when it passes. We need to address the water system at the high school to stop bringing in bottled water and get the arsenic level back to an acceptable level because it's an inconvenience to everyone. This bond covers so many angles." Voters on May 6 will vote at their regular voting precinct. Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. that day.

Jennifer Decker can be reached at (810) 664-0811, Ext. 8125 or jennifer.decker@lapeergroup.com.