MONROE, N.C. — Union County Public Schools has a bond referendum on the ballot this November that would give some of its aging schools a big face lift.
That's why the district is holding several meetings to provide information and answer the community's questions.
The $39 million bond package would be used for construction projects at two of the district’s schools: Parkwood High School and East Union Middle School.
According to the district's website, Parkwood High School was built in the 1960s and East Union Middle School was built in the 1950s, making them due for major upgrades for modern-day teaching and learning.
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Approximately $10,705,804 would pay for a pre-construction project at Parkwood High School – covering the design work, assessments and land surveys needed to eventually build a replacement school.
Also included is an approximately $27,567,447 construction project to relocate East Union Middle School to the Forest Hills High School campus. This part of bond would pay for demolition, additions and renovations to accommodate middle school programs on the campus.
"We're currently building a brand new Forest Hills High School," UCPS Superintendent Andrew Houlihan said. "We'd like to get our East Union Middle School kids on that same footprint. So this bond, if passed, will allow us to redesign the current Forest Hills. We'll have all of our kids on one campus."
About $1,148,197 would be left for the cost of over runs, unforeseen conditions and changes in scope on construction, according to the school district.
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Houlihan encourages the community to learn as much as possible about the projects and to vote in November.
"Please vote -- I can’t say 'vote yes' and I can’t say 'vote no,' but I can say vote," he said. "We would encourage you to become educated about these projects. We have a long history in Union County of our citizens supporting bonds and it’s the most effective way we can fund new schools."
The bond referendum will be on the ballot on Nov. 5, and UCPS families can learn more about it starting Thursday, Sept. 12.
There are four information meetings you can attend before Election Day:
- Forest Hills High School: Sept. 12 at 6 p.m.
- Parkwood High School: Sept. 19 at 6 p.m.
- Parkwood High School: Oct. 3 at 6 p.m.
- East Union Middle School: Oct. 17 at 6 p.m.
Even if you don’t have kids who go to these schools, this bond could still impact your wallet. If approved, it would increase property taxes by about $8 per $100,000 in value. This means if your property is valued at $400,000, you’ll pay an extra $32 a year.
More information on the bond and how it could impact you can be found on the UCPS website.
Contact Destiny Richards at drichards5@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.