Clarkston school officials have $75.98 million for technology and building improvements after voters approved a bond proposal, Aug. 2.
“The board and the administration are extremely excited with the passage of the bond and extremely appreciative of the community supporting this initiative,” said School Board President Steve Hyer. “Over a year ago now, dealing with the technology and facility needs of our district was a board goal we set.  We spent the last year moving forward on this goal and we are very pleased we can now execute carefully our 10 year plan.”
The proposal passed by 1,283 votes – 4,677 voted Yes and 3,394 voted No, for a total of 8,071 votes. Turnout was about 24 percent of the total 33,325 registered voters.
Superintendent Dr. Rod Rock said they worked with the board of education, stakeholder groups, parents, and students to put together a fiscally responsible and comprehensive bond proposal.
“We were very pleased that they approved the proposal,” Rock said. “We are excited for the implementation process, which will include the board hiring a construction manager who will work closely with the architects and administration to implement each element of the bond as approved by voters. Our board of education will approve all bids, in consultation with the construction manager, architect, and administration. All of this will happen at public meetings.”
Hyer is excited to be dealing with projects directly impacting schools and safe and productive learning environments of students.
“I would also remind our community that we cannot use these dollars for anything operational (teachers, counselors, curriculum, materials, supplies, etc).  These are strictly for capital projects that we have identified,” he added. “Again, we thank the community for supporting this and we look forward to being excellent stewards of these resources as we implement this plan.”
Parent and volunteer Chelsea O’Brien, Outreach Committee chairperson of the ClarkstonYES 8.2 group, said she is grateful to Rock, Assistant Superintendent Shawn Ryan, and the entire Clarkston YES 8.2 Team.
“I can’t wait to see these much needed funds translate into powerful tools and opportunities for our future leaders and doers of Clarkston,” she said. “It’s been a great week for Clarkston and for Clarkston Community Schools.”
Rock said the mindset the district will use going forward is “promises made, promises kept.”
“We are legally responsible to allocate these monies, which will likely be available shortly after the beginning of the school year, as was stated in the application to the Michigan Department of Treasury and approved by voters on Aug. 2,” he said.