MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Gwinn voters did not pass the 31 million dollar bond proposal in the last election. However, the Gwinn School Board agreed yesterday to try again to pass a bond proposal for much-needed renovations.
In their first meeting since the election the Gwinn area community school board is again planning to ask the voters for the funds needed to maintain their schools. And even though the bond proposal lost by 400 votes, schools superintendent dr. Sara Croney says she is not discouraged.
“We looked at it as 38% of our voters a year ago were positive in their vote, and this year, 46% were positive,” said Croney.
School Board President Ashley Jenema hopes to have the bond proposal on the ballot this spring.
“We’re going to be running again, hopefully in May, for the election, and we’ll have the bond proposal back on the ballot. And really, we need this to pass,” said Jenema.
Superintendent Croney says infrastructure repairs are now at the critical stage for this 62-year-old facility.
“We have to attend to heating, ventilation, and some of the bigger ticket items like the roof,” said Croney.
The plan is build in phases, with the ultimate goal of consolidating all school activities into one campus.
“Phase one is the renovation. When phase two happens, which is closing the two elementary schools and bringing them onto the site,” explained Croney.
Croney believes the entire community will benefit from the passage of this bond proposal.
“If there is no school families won’t move here, and your property values are going to do it digger, we have the community’s interest in mind please trust us to get it done,” reminded Croney.
