Voters To Decide On Almost $21 Million Bond Issue For Berryhill Schools

Voters in the Berryhill School District will decide on a nearly $21 million bond issue next week.

Berryhill Superintendent Mike Campbell is looking to make big improvements to their facilities and said the nearly $21 million bond issue would be the largest in the district’s history.

Among them, a completely renovated auditorium first built in the 1960s.

This auditorium is one of several scheduled projects planned if a $20,775,000 bond proposition passes next week.

"We really need this,” Campbell said. “If we can't get it passed, it'll certainly set us back as a district.”

Campbell said the district last passed a bond in 2009, and because of the way their tax structure is set up, they haven't been able to present another since.

Meaning, in his opinion, the need is now.

"Our kiddos go to other districts and they see some of the improvements they have,” said Campbell. “We just feel it's important to have the same competitive advantage here as well."

Campbell said on top of HVAC improvements, new buses, and fixing code issues, they also are focusing on safety improvements, with a planned expansion to increase security at an elementary school, and tornado shelters in each building.

Campbell said this was originally supposed to be on the ballot back in April, but because of the pandemic was pushed to August.

"It's putting everything back 6-8 months which hurt us a lot," Campbell said.

The propositions need a 60% super majority to pass, and if it does, taxes for those living in the district will have a small annual percentage increase.

For a full list of proposed improvements, click here.