Hillman proposes a bond to move elementary school
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HILLMAN -- Hillman Community Schools plans to close the elementary school building at 245 East Third Street and build an attached elementary school wing onto the current Hillman Junior/Senior High School building on M-32.
The Hillman Board of Education approved language for a 3.3-mill bond proposal during a special meeting on Monday, which will appear on the ballot for voters to decide on in May.
The bond would be used to build the new wing of elementary school classes and furnish them, as well as install new playground equipment outside.
The board has already collaborated with community members and stakeholders and agreed it would cost the same as bringing the existing elementary building up to code, according to board members.
"We are going to the voters to request to pass the bond," Interim Superintendent Pamela Rader said. "In doing so, we will all be in one area which will help to facilitate the use of our faculty in a better way."
Rader said it will also allow her to use her administrative staff more efficiently and allow elective teachers to be shared within the same building and not have to travel.
Vice President Jack Matthias said this is great timing because Hillman's previous bond will be paid off before a new bond payment would be due, so they will not be paying on two bonds.
CORRECTION: This story has been updated to remove an inaccurate reference to a 3% increase in the tax rate for Hillman Community Schools bond debt.