On December 12th, 2023 voters decided to approve the Bond Referendum. This referendum has already given the school a new football field, track, bathrooms, and ramps along with much more. All of these new renovations were added during the Summer.
Voters were given three questions on the referendum:
- Safety and security, heating and ventilation, accessibility and renovations.
- Additional HVAC, emergency power updates and window replacements.
- Expanding key spaces and restoring exterior features.
There was priority given to the questions, as question 2 could only be approved with the passing of question 1, and question 3 could only be approved with the passing of both questions 1 and 2 prior.
The approval of the first question has given the school its new security, seen in the additional set of security doors in the main lobby. Bathroom renovations in C Hall, F Hall, and the faculty rooms were also a result of this question. More hidden from view, are the new heating and ventilation systems, along with an automatic temperature control system that has also been installed at the high school.
The second question is also related to heating and ventilation. It expands on the question, making sure heating units will be in every hallway, and air conditioning units are in every classroom. Furthermore the school will be outfitted with emergency power upgrades. These changes are scheduled for a future date.
The third question gave the school its new track and football field. Both the field turf and track surface were completely re-run this past summer, as well as the repaving of the parking lot. The school’s gymnasium is also scheduled to be renovated in the future. As well as renovations to the high school, the middle school and elementary schools were also given up-grades.
Many of the renovations were proposed in order to improve the quality of life for the students. MJS counselor and MHS graduate Libby Marada stated “we have students that have physical conditions where they cannot be in a room if it gets too hot,” further stating “it can get a little bit complicated because we might have two or three classes in a space.”
The full cost of all the new renovations accumulated to a total of $79.4 million. $21.9 million came from state aid, and the rest of the $57.5 million was from local shares or taxes. The renovations are scheduled to be completed by 2027.