More than 60 percent of voters in the Brandon School District approved a bond extension that will net about $73.4 million for several major renovations, technology upgrades, and construction of a new elementary school and activities complex. The bond extension will not increase the 8.24 mills residents pay per year in school taxes, instead, it would add six years to a loan that currently stands at $29 million owed and which would be paid off in 2026.
The official total vote was 1,300 yes and 781 no.
Tom Miller, Brandon Superintendent joined bond extension supporters in the Brandon High School cafeteria on Tuesday night for election results to arrive from the district precincts.
‘We are very pleased with the outcome of this vote,? said Miller. Now the work begins.?
‘The first step in the project will be the road situation at the middle school, it’s a safety issue and must be addressed soon. Many permits will be needed. The next step will be forming committees of residents, parents and staff to decide on exact plans and designs of facilities.?
District residents Greg Allar and Diane Wiley ran unopposed and were elected to four year terms to the Brandon Board of Education. They will replace current trustees Gina Muzzarelli and Mark Mahaffy.
In the Goodrich School District, incumbent Michael J. Thorp was re-elected to the school board. Thorp was appointed to the board in 1992 after trustee Rudy Deschner was elected Atlas Township Supervisor. He was first elected in June 1992 and then re-elected in 1994, 1998, and 2002. Thorp also served as board president for about 4 years. Thorp has two daughters, Ella currently a sophomore at Goodrich High School and Libby a 2000 graduate.
‘The strong turnout of voters is an indication that people do support what the board is doing,? said Thorp. When more than 1,000 turnout for an election that’s strong support.?
‘I’ve been on the board since 1992 and do this job for the kids and the taxpayers.?
Michael Thorp, 389 votes, Janell Zirnhelt, 334 votes, Kristen Kenny, 171 votes, June Amman, 147 votes and Terry Marler 48 votes.