Video: Tupelo Voters to Consider $44 Million Bond Package

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TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) -Voters in Tupelo will decide the fate of a $44 million bond package for repairs and renovations at all schools in the district. As WCBI’s Allie Martin reports, the district is mounting an aggressive PR campaign to educate voters about the issue.

During a tour of Milam Elementary, principal Paul Moton pointed out many things in need of an upgrade.

For example, old window units in the band hall, an outdated fan system inside the gymnasium and flourscent lights that are anything but energy efficient.

Those are a few of the items included in the proposed $44 million bond package the Tupelo School Board is asking voters to approve.

“Some of the schools are 80 years old, they have a good infrastructure, just need a little TLC, HVAC, roofs, lights, things like that,” said Charles Laney,  with JBHM Architects, which visited all schools, coming up with a list of needs. Also, a district wide survey of teachers, principals and parents was also conducted.

Parents and teachers said one of the most pressing needs is better security cameras and alarm systems.

“This will ensure our children are safe and sound for the future,” said Josh Mabus, of the MABUS Agency.

In fact, the  $ 4 million  proposal is called “Safe and Sound Bond” and the Tupelo based MABUS Agency will help educate the public about the specifics of the bond package.

“This is a very complex issue with a good bit of money going towards a lot of facility upgrades, technology upgrades, repairs, infrastructure and safety. We believe it’s our responsibility to educate the voter and parents, everyone in the district of what this money is going toward, how it will be spent,” Mabus said.

The bond package won’t require a tax hike because it would replace bonds expiring this year. Still, members of the “Safe and Sound Bond” Committee” are taking no chances with an information blitz.

“Today we launched our social media campaign, we went on Facebook, Twitter, we have our website that”s live, we are going to also look at having some Town Hall meetings,” said Amy Tate, co-chairman of the “Safe and Sound Bond” Committee.

Educational and informational meetings began Tuesday afternoon, members of the bond committee met with teachers at every school, giving them specifics of the proposed bond package.

The Tupelo City Council is expected to set April 28th as the date for the bond issue vote.

www.safeandsoundbond.com