School District Depends On Voters For Brighter Future

It has been 23 years since students in one corner of the Ark-La-Tex have enjoyed learning in updated classrooms. That could change come election day when Elysian Fields, Texas will get out and vote on a 13-million dollar bond issue. Buckling ceiling tiles and pools of water are common on rainy days at the Independent School District. Superintendent Bob Browning says the district`s facilities are just worn out. "Our heating and cooling systems, our carpet, our flooring, they have become obsolete, some of the things we need we can`t find parts for." "I have a puddle outside my classroom door, we have to be sure not to slip and fall in because the rain leaks in, " said teacher, Courtney Thomas. A portion of the money will build new classrooms, doing away with temporary buildings that have been classrooms since the seventies. Student athletes will also benefit. New lights will be added at the stadium and the baseball field and a new concession stand will be built for visitors. Artificial Turf will also be purchased for the football field. Nearly 4-million dollars will go toward a new auditorium. If the bond issue doesn`t pass, Browning says the learning process will continue but the school district won`t be able to provide money for needed repairs. The bond issue will cost taxpayers around $38.00 a year for 20 years. It will be on the November 7th ballot. And one other note, If passed, one million dollars will be spent on technology upgrades for the classroom.