Union School officials asking voters to approve a bond proposal to address growth concerns

Classes in the hallway and teachers without rooms. That's the situation many Union Public School teachers and students are facing because space is so limited. <br/><br/>The school district is asking

Wednesday, February 2nd 2005, 10:15 am

By: News On 6

Classes in the hallway and teachers without rooms. That's the situation many Union Public School teachers and students are facing because space is so limited.

The school district is asking voters to approve a $13-million bond issue to help fix that. News on 6 reporter Ashli Sims has more on where the money would go.

The halls are packed, the desks are squished together and space is at a premium. Boevers principal Sherri Fair: "Yes I have two teachers that are in the reading teacher is in an A/V office storage kind of room. I have a reading teacher in a conference room; my assistant principal is in a copy room so yeah we've been creative."

Boevers Elementary at 3433 South 133rd East Avenue is close to 100 students over its ideal capacity. And the strain on space only promises to get worse with a new subdivision going up nearby. But some see relief in a $13-million Union School bond, which includes a new elementary school. Superintendent Dr Cathy Burden: "this new school will immediately relieve Boevers but it will help all of our elementary schools to give them the space for all-day kindergarten."

And elementary school students aren't the only ones who need more space. 2004 bond dollars started this project, with the money they'll be able to pay for 11 classrooms. That's music to the ears of several of Union's cart teachers.

Not enough space means teachers like 8th grade teacher Garland Betts load up their supplies and travel from room to room to teach. "Its very challenging I think it would be much easier if I had a classroom but we're going with the flow.â€

Back to back bond issues may seem excessive to some. But Union says this way they don't have to raise taxes to keep up with the growth. Dr Cathy Burden: "we don't want our voters to have to raise their taxes so we do things in phases we do it gradually so that means that we do annual bond issues."

Voters will decide the fate of this year's bond on February 8th.

Voters in more than a few school districts will also go to the polls next Tuesday. Be sure to check with your school office to find out what's going to be on your ballot.