Bloomfield bond issue passes

First among several big wins Tuesday evening was the passage of the Bloomfield School Bond tax levy. Following on the heels of multiple strong defeats, the issue passed with 64 percent of the vote.

The proposal was placed on the ballot by the Bloomfield School Board to fund new roofs on the elementary and high schools and make other repairs and energy improvements with any remaining funds from the bond issue.

The bond will require a tax increase of 27 cents per $100 of assessed valuation in the debt service levy. An estimate provided by the school district shows an increase of $67.50 on $25,000 of assessed valuation.

The board lists the following repairs and improvements that could be funded by the bond issue:

* Replacement of the elementary school roof

* Replacement of the high school roof

* Repair of thermal moisture issues on the north wall of the high school

* Expansion of high school classrooms on the west side

* Replacement of the HVAC equipment at the high school

* Replacement of ceiling tiles as needed in the elementary and high schools

* Other energy and safety projects as funds are available which include energy-efficient windows at the high school, an energy management system at all three campuses, asbestos flooring abatement at the high school, carpet removal and tile replacement at the elementary and several safety measures and modifications to existing walkways to improve access and safety

"I certainly am appreciative of everybody who has supported this bond issue throughout the process," said Bloomfield superintendent Dr. Nick Thiele. "I just want to say a big thank you on behalf of the kids to our community for supporting this bond issue. It was so much needed in our district.

"I just feel like that is a vote of support for the district and I want to encourage the community to get involved."

Thiele said the district plans to begin bond sales as soon as possible while allowing local investors to have a first shot at the bonds.

Thiele went on to state that the district is ready to hit the ground running with these projects.

"We already have some preliminary bids on roofing projects and some other projects," he said. "The staff and students have worked hard to accommodate for the problems we've faced and should be commended."